THE PLAYGROUND

In the middle of the field there’s a playground

But it’s not a place where children play

Last summer a child passed away there

And it’s become a shrine to this day

Emma was one of many children
Who had made the playground a home
But she went late at night while it was empty
So she wouldn't get hurt there all alone

\Her Mama watched from the window
Swallowing the tears to smile and wave
She never denied Emma’s playtime
Her illness could take her any day
&

~~~*Chorus*~~~
In the swing…she had wings
Laughter, and little girl dreams
She’d close her eyes…and hold on tight
Smile like she’d always be around
Emma lived every night
In the playground
~~*~~

In the daytime, she’d sit beneath the oak tree
The children stopped to visit in the shade
She made the girls crowns of wildflowers
Told the boys that they were daring and brave

When she was too weak to leave her bedroom
They would come to her window single-file
Leave a trinket, rock, or flower on the worn ledge
Anything to make their Emma smile

~~~*Chorus*~~~
In the swing…she had wings
Laughter, and little girl dreams
She’d close her eyes…and hold on tight
Smile like she’d always be around
Emma lived every night
In the playground
~~*~~

Her last night on earth she whispered Mama
Can you carry me out so I can swing
I have to say goodbye to the playground
Next to you, it means just everything

She was holding Emma, swinging gently 
Every kid, who lived near, came outside
They all bowed their heads in the playground
Praying through the tears as Emma died..

~~~~~~*Musical Bridge*~~~~~~

There are ribbons and flowers on the playground
Stuffed animals, and many precious things
On the ladder, slide, and tunnel, there is something
But nothing to hinder Emma’s swing…
For…

~~~*Repeat Chorus*~~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Wrdspnr@aol.com
 Copyright © 2012