Boys playing in the twilight
     on green spring lawns.
     The magnolia bloomed today,
     the daffodils burst skyward.
     The boys are redfaced and bright,
     the spring air fills their lungs
     as they huff and puff,
     Reluctant for supper and bedtime.

     Eagerly they throw themselves
     into wild tumbling and races.
     They come to the door for water,
     and then launch themselves
     back into the fray.

     When it's too dark to see
     my boys scuffle through the door
     into my arms.
     Their hair smelling like grass,
     mud, and evening air.

     Cool and sweaty,
     their hair in a tangle,
     their jeans stained with grass and mud,
     they exude the tonic
     of children.

     The bubble bath is frothy.
     They scorn it at first,
     and then with rubber sharks,
     dive in and attack.