On Useful Things

When I was barely four.
I was coming back from a walk,
And pockets were stuffed to the brim
With the most useful things:
Small glass shards, and seashells,
Pebbles, and pieces of metal.

And the adults would say to me:
“Throw out that awful junk.”

When I was barely ten.
I was coming back from a walk,
And pockets were stuffed to the brim
With the most useful things:
Small glass shards, and seashells,
Pebbles, and pieces of metal.

The adults would be surprised:
“When will you finally grow up?”

Now I am already fifty.
I'm coming back from a walk,
And pockets are stuffed to the brim
With the most useful things:
Small glass shards, and seashells,
Pebbles, and pieces of metal.

And the adults nod warmly:
“How well I understand you!”

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Thanks to Leah Borovoi for improving the text.