Valley Voices: Childhood Contrasts

Childhood Contrasts It takes a lifetime to make sense of what we once knew as children

by Alastair McColl

Editor’s Note: Hope you enjoy this print version of Childhood Contrasts. Go to CVCAS.ca>The Arts>Literature>Valley Voices for a video reading.

When he was a child the world was too big. Later, as an adult, the world was too small. Later still, as a senior, he didn’t worry about those things.

When he was a child he liked potatoes the way his mother cooked them. Later, as an adult, he liked potatoes cooked in exotic ways. Later still, as a senior, he liked potatoes cooked the way his mother cooked them.

When he was a child, adults were a mystery. Later, as an adult, children were a mystery. Later still, as a senior, adults were a mystery.

When he was a child he mostly watched and listened. Later, as an adult, he acted since he already knew what was what. Later still, as a senior, he hesitated to act, and returned to watching and listening.

When he was a child he had a strong nostalgia for things as they used to be. Later, as an adult, he had a strong desire for things to be different. Still later, as a senior, he appreciated things just as they were.

When he was a child he ran like the wind. Later, as an adult, he thought exercise was important. Later still, as a senior, he was more careful.

When he was a child he lived mainly in the present. Later, as an adult, he lived in the future. Later still, as a senior, he lived in the past.

When he was a child he knew a lot of things. Later, as an adult, he didn’t know enough. Later still, as a senior, he knew hardly anything.

When he was a child he wanted to be able, but couldn’t. Later, as an adult, he was able, but unsure what he wanted. Later still, as a senior, he was not able, and resigned to that.

When he was a child he had fun. Later, as an adult, he tried to have fun. Later still, as a senior, he liked to watch children having fun.

When he was a child he wanted to fly in a space ship to other planets. Later, as an adult, he wanted to drive in a car to other countries. Later still, as a senior, he wanted to walk to other parks.

When he was a child he understood things. Later, as an adult, he understood things as metaphors. Later still, as a senior, he understood things as patterns of metaphors.

When he was a child he thought people were good or bad. Later, as an adult, he thought people were winners or losers. Later still, as a senior, he thought people were friends or others.

When he was a child he could hardly stay awake in the morning. Later, as an adult, he hardly slept at all. Later, as a senior he could hardly stay awake in the evening.

When he was a child he didn’t have much understanding. Later, as an adult, he had purpose, having acquired an understanding of how things work. Later still, as a senior, he doubted his understanding and preferred to do what he wanted.

When he was a child he had stuff and didn’t put it away. Later, as an adult he had too much stuff and couldn’t take care of it all. Later still, as a senior, he got rid of his stuff.

When he was a child he thought adults were right. Later, as an adult, he thought as a child he was wrong. Later still, as a senior, he thought as a child he was not wrong.

When he was a child he liked books with pictures. Later, as an adult, he liked books with words. Later still, as a senior, he made books with both pictures and words.