Ghosts
By p1kef1sh
@p1kef1sh (45681)
August 26, 2008 3:13am CST
I came to these gates and I peered in. A playground full of happy laughing children spread before me. Secretly I peeked until one day I took a tentative step in. The games halted and I was peered at. Hand reached out and laughing voices interrogated me. Bigger children arrived and brought me in. Who was I, where was I from, what was my story. Slowly they stripped off the old me and clothed me in their love and I became a player too. Happy were the hours and plenty too; that we played here. Laughter, tears all the pathos and tragedy of the theatre. The squabbles came and went, but now they linger and I stand here watching as one by one, my playmates vanish. Now I am alone again in the playground. I hear ghostly voices, catch a glimpse of shadows, but for now the playground is empty and all that I see is summer turning to autumn. Once green leaves, all brown and dry, blow like tumble weed in a desert town. A chill wind is coming, I feel it in my bones. There will be buds on the trees, but perhaps not for me. Shall I close the gates and take one last look back willing it all to have been a dream. But dream it is not. Shall I close these gates and seek playgrounds new? I do not know. But I just want to say to all of you, no matter what your feelings, your hurt, indignation and anger. I have loved and love you. You are my friends and always will be. You showed me friendship when I had none. I'm the boy on his own again, in the corner kicking the ball against the wall.
11 people like this
29 responses
@novataylor (6570)
• United States
26 Aug 08
Geez, too bad you're such a crappy writer, p1key. Brother! Nice imagery, darlin. And sure to bring tears to lots of eyes. You're such a sweetie, p1ke. And I love you to pieces. Everything will be fine. Really. xxx
3 people like this
@Angelwhispers (8978)
• United States
27 Aug 08
He slipped??? Shesh I fell in his mess and slid four blocks before I could grab onto a swing and hold on!
1 person likes this
@novataylor (6570)
• United States
26 Aug 08
Well, if it slipped, it sure slipped into a hell of a good place, p1key. You know how much I love the way you write. And btw, darlin, it would appear that I'm not the only one. I seem to be among scads of people who feel the same way. Told you so. 
(I know you don't like those measles, but this one felt appropos)
(I know you don't like those measles, but this one felt appropos)1 person likes this
@property (453)
• United States
26 Aug 08
P1ke,
You, my friend, are definitely NOT alone! There are simply oodles of people kicking balls against the wall. :) When the playground seems empty, it may have more to do with children being unwillingly drawn back into thier homes to clean thier rooms or go visit "Nana", than the result of petty childhood squabbles. Anyhow, moving post. Kinda reminded me of my son. He has Asperger's Syndrome and has periods of time when he is more autistic than others. Then as quick as it came on he will "wake" and want to play with kids his own age but feels as though he can't. Like there is some wall between him and other kids. i know this is completely off topic, but i wanted to share how your post effected me. Weird how everyone reads what they want into things.
3 people like this
@property (453)
• United States
26 Aug 08
Kickers of the balls against the walls unite!! Seriously, no need to feel sorry for my son. He is exceptional. He just sees things as black and white and has a hard time understanding "normal" kids. "Normal" kids behave erradically doing things like saying they are your friend one minute then not speaking to you the next. He doesn't understand this type of behavior...Thank goodness he is not "normal". :p
i'm just glad i don't have the pressure of the playground mentality pushing down on me anymore.
2 people like this
@novataylor (6570)
• United States
27 Aug 08
Hi, Property, so nice to see you! I have a tiny bit of experience with Alpergers. I had a child in my extended day program at school who had it, and I also babysat for him and his brother on occasion. I felt such an affection for him. He was a unique, if sometimes difficult, child. Very interesting. It certainly makes you wonder about their perceptions of things and their perspectives. He's a special gift, and I'm sure you're both very lucky to have each other. The love that comes from such a child is something precious.
1 person likes this
@nannacroc (4049)
•
26 Aug 08
You're a big soppy 'apporth. Look back with fond memories and look forward to the next lot of memories that will keep them company.
@nannacroc (4049)
•
26 Aug 08
You can have a virtual hug if you stop bringing out the soppy part of me. Only you and Mr Croc acheive that and it's hard to keep up the reputation of being a bad tempered grumpy crocodile with you two about.
2 people like this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
26 Aug 08
No you are not alone, look I am back I am here with you and I know the rest will follow so kick that ball to me and not against the wall, you are surrounded by Love from your Friends and one by one we are all coming back to you and we will never leave you whether you see us or not we are always with you and remember that at all times in good, angry and bad Times we are with you
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
27 Aug 08
Gabs - I'm right beside you, here for P1ke too. You hear me P1ke?! You will NEVER be alone so kick the damn ball! LOL
2 people like this
@suehan1 (4344)
• Australia
26 Aug 08
well p1ke my friend i am with goodie on this one.what are you trying to tell us here.i hope its not what i think it is either.i might not be here as often as i like but i am here as well as your good friend miss goodie,so don't be that lonely boy in the corner,come kick balls with us.cheers sue
3 people like this
@Rosekitty (19368)
• San Marcos, Texas
26 Aug 08
What you are saying is so true P1ke..I feel like that hurt my day yesterday since those kind of discussions get more of a turn out then the nice ones..its like logs kept getting added to a fire thats already a bonfire...I post then later about something that happened nice to me and its like i feel did i send out the invites or what..did I forget to do that?
I'm not looking for sympathy..was always told its in the dictonary..lol..but why can't people just stop and instead they keep goading thr issue..like its a game that both sides just can't stop tell the other falls and the other fels they win??
If this keeps up I really am leaving..I love alot of you..some I don't understand but who am i to....
3 people like this
@Rosekitty (19368)
• San Marcos, Texas
26 Aug 08
P1key..I wrote before i thought..
I loved the way you wrote that..you have such a nice way with words and I'm proud to call you my Dear friend
Huggles and Kitty kisses
3 people like this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
26 Aug 08
That made me want to cry 
for the little boy in the corner kicking the ball by himself. This is a great post though. I can just close my eyes and imagining it happening.
for the little boy in the corner kicking the ball by himself. This is a great post though. I can just close my eyes and imagining it happening. 3 people like this
@skinnychick (6905)
• United States
26 Aug 08
This brought tears to my eyes, dear one! The imagery is wonderful! :) Hope all is great with you! XOXOXXOXOXOO
3 people like this
@ellie333 (21016)
•
26 Aug 08
Oh wow, I have visions of this little lad with scuffed shoes, laces undone one sock up and one sock down hands in poskets just kicking the ball with his feet shoulders down as he does it. Whenever I see an old school I hear the children playing but there is all one playing alone. I do so hope that wasn't you when you were a boy as that is real sad. I think you have an amazing writing talent P1kef1sh I really do, this quite moved me. Ellie :D
@AnnieOakley1 (5596)
• Canada
26 Aug 08
Oh, no you are not playing with yourself.
I'm here to help.
That didn't come out right. lol
2 people like this
@AnnieOakley1 (5596)
• Canada
26 Aug 08
Thank you my dear sweet pikey for the hugs.
Thank you for trying to stop the mess. For caring enough to do so.
You are so sweet and kind, I'm sorry to have hurt you.
((HUGS))
XXXXXXXXXXXX
I love you, too.
2 people like this
@AnnieOakley1 (5596)
• Canada
26 Aug 08
Oh, I'm so sorry pike to have been a very bad, bad girl. I was defending someone's honour. I had no idea that there was a very big chip on that shoulder just waiting to be teetered off and then BAM! I was blindsided. The obscenities flew at me. I tried to calm things down though. I did not return the favour of obscenities. I even think there was almost an apology there. But I will leave it alone now.
But you can spank me, if you like. Here, but not too hard. My white, creamy bottom is very tender, you know.
2 people like this
@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
26 Aug 08
Hi plkeflsh,
That was such a bitter sweet story, but you are not the little boy kicking a ball against the wall on his own, you have a lot of friends but that story is so lovely, I felt as though it was me.
Tamara
3 people like this
@Humbug25 (12540)
•
26 Aug 08
Hmmmm p1kef1sh what are you upto?
This is a great bit of writting though I enjoyed reading it! Has this got something to do with your childhood that you are reflecting on or something you have read yourself and thought you'd share it with us all?
Cheers 
@LadyMarissa (12148)
• United States
26 Aug 08
Very WELL spoken my friend!!! I just pray those who need to see it are drawn here. Hope all is well on your trip!!! Be well....Be safe
))) HUGGGGGG ((( 
@rogue13xmen13 (14403)
• United States
26 Aug 08
I believe in ghost, and yes, my house is haunted. The ground beneathe my house used to be a football field, and there is the little boy ghost who looks like Waldo who surrounds my house. My boyfriend has seen him. My brother saw a portal in my mother's bedroom one time. Pretty scary stuff. I see the eyes on my brother's pictures move sometimes and there are some parts of the house where the temperature starts to drop, but only for a few seconds.
@Ithink (9980)
• United States
26 Aug 08
I read this and thought wow this person can bring to life their writings. It was amazing. Then I read some of the comments and too started worrying some, then I saw your relpy. Glad and relieved that all was wrong.
I just stay away from the fighting as much as possible thou I do let people know when I dont disagree but if it starts getting hot Im outta there.
Anyways just wanted to say amazing writing there =)
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
27 Aug 08
A lovely piece of writing though it made me cry. I'm so sorry P1ke. More than I can say, because I tried so hard to stop this by staying away and keeping my mouth shut. But you and I have another 'playground' in which to play together and I for one will always be there for you. Hugs and much love back to you!
2 people like this
@AnnieOakley1 (5596)
• Canada
27 Aug 08
((((GROUP HUGS))))), sniff, sniff
Still Passing the 'Peace Pipe", puff, puff.
I'm squishing you soooooo hard, love you
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
26 Aug 08
*Hugs* That was beautifully written, little man. It made me cry. Your friends are very lucky to have someone like you who loves them so dearly.
*Giving you a kiss on the forehead*
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
26 Aug 08
Any time, doll*S* You know where to find me.
1 person likes this
@mikinikih (201)
• United States
27 Aug 08
This is very nicely written p1kef1sh. When I first started reading it, I thought you were talking about growing older, how friends grow apart and the like; but after reading some of the responses, I realize I was way off. As a newbie here, I've been oblivious to any arguments, but I hope it all works out for all of you.
