when we are very young: a pantoum

A When we are very young
B we think: if only we were more.
C These adult lives seem full to bursting
D with freedom. Our lives are cages,

B we think, if only we were more—
E if only we could play and eat
D with freedom. Our lives are cages.
F Disguise our candied walls.

E If only we could play. And eat.
G Our adult diet etched with health’s
F disguise—or candy. Walls
H can never hide. We will never mask

G our adult diet. Etched with health,
I we leave no time for playing,
H can never hide. We will never mask—
J we design adulthood.

I We leave no time for playing--
C these adult lives seem full to bursting.
J We design adulthood—
A when we are very young.