Hello, and welcome back to Creative After Hours. Since the end of summer is approaching in my part of the world (Amsterdam, Netherlands), I wanted to share something short and summery that I wrote a few months ago as part of
’s personal essay writing course. I’ve still got a lot to learn about this type of writing, but I enjoyed capturing this joyful micro-moment with words and wanted to share it anyway.Summer nights
I‘m a carefree kid again.
The cool, slick blades of grass tickle my bare toes. Kaan throws the black and white soccer ball high into the air and shouts my name. I look up, admiring the blue sky as the ball comes falling down into my arms. Everyone else is giddy while they run far away from me. The circle is broken.
Westerpark is buzzing like a beehive. All around us, people are soaking up the sun. Groups of people sitting on picnic blankets, eating and drinking. Some are standing and moving to the rhythm of music vibrating from their handheld speakers.
I shout “light pink” as I catch the ball. I look around to see who’s closest to me — a friend who hasn’t found something light pink to touch. I can’t remember who it is now, but I fling the ball at them. Now they’re it.
We’re kids playing without any worries or responsibilities, smiling like the sun at midday, bright and full of summer warmth. We form another circle and do it all over again.
But the sun eventually sets. We go our separate ways. Back to our homes, back to reality.
None of us are kids anymore. But that early summer night, we played like children who didn’t have a care in the world.
Reflections
Does this piece remind you of a small but special moment in time? I’d love to hear about it!
When was the last time you felt like a kid or played like a kid? I need more of this in my life! How about you?
Until next time,