Haiku: When Childhood Ended
“One of the luckiest things that can happen to you in life is, I think, to have a happy childhood.” Agatha Christie
Haiku: When Childhood Ended – paintings of childhood
Childhood memories
Books read by the fireplace
Sweets and Christmas treats
When childhood ended
Bombs, death, and warring factions
A childhood fractured
One of my earliest, happy childhood memories is of being read to as I cuddled up to Mrs Bates by the fireplace. One of my saddest was of being caught in a war-zone and not knowing when it would all end. I can’t say there was one pivotal moment when my childhood ended but, perhaps over time, there were series of events that contributed to its demise. I don’t say this in a cavalier manner or to sound distressed by it. Not at all! I’m just being honest about the fact that most of us go through transformative periods in our lives that force us to grow up and face the realities of life and of adulthood.
“If you carry your childhood with you, you never become older.” Tom Stoppard
Haiku: When Childhood Ended – paintings of childhood
Childhood memories
Time spent in my Dad’s village
CultureĀ spurred events
When childhood ended
Endless losses; school, homes, life
A time of chaos
The hardships that come with living in a time of war and strife includes loss of life, food rationing, and that sense of impending doom and demise. The stream of refugees from other areas grew as the battlefields grew, food supplies diminished and people struggled to save their children’s lives. Such periods of unrest remain etched in our memories and remind us to honor life, enjoy our freedoms with gratitude, and cherish our safety and security. Many people don’t ever see the horrific side of war and what survivors live with for the rest of their lives. Yet, even though I spent a small portion of my life in my father’s village, during a difficult time in our history, there was so much wisdom and learning that took place there, and I still carry and cherish those memories. In a time of chaos and grief we, all of us, experienced nuggets of humanity and grace.
More Below!
“A graceful and honorable old age is the childhood of immortality.” Pindar
Haiku: When Childhood Ended – paintings of childhood
Childhood memories
Fun, rain-time play, stories shared
Roasted yams… and hugs
When childhood ended
Slights, hurts, and old narratives
Life shifts … Adulthood
We often don’t remember the exact time/day our childhood ended. Some folks experience tragedies or traumatic events that shut the door on childhood dreams of candy filled days and lolly-gagging. Others find that biological changes bring new desires and experiences, and yet, a handful remain blissfully ignorant of the passage of time and hold onto their childhoods for dear life. Whichever group fits you, claim it. They’re all sound.
Regardless of the childhood you claim, what matters most are the memories we build and hold close to our hearts. When I think of childhood days, what arises in my heart are the travels, the different cultural experiences gained from time spent in varying locations, war-time, and my father’s village: My Dad’s family were farmers and they took their belief in respecting the earth and her sustenance very seriously. It was in Dad’s village that I learned the local language, roasted yams and shared bites with my extended family, and listened to many a great traditional story shared by elders in the family Obi (gathering place). It was in my father’s village that I learned to appreciate life, freedom, the value of family ties and the importance of education. What childhood memories do you cherish? When do you think your childhood ended?
My fellow bloggers were equally creative with their selections. Check out how others interpreted the theme āĀ When Childhood Ends ā below.
This post was inspired by a prompt from WP Daily Post: When Childhood Ends Write about a defining moment in your life when you were forced to grow up in an instant (or a series of instants).
Positive Motivation Tip: Hold unto your happy and sad memories, and always remember to create happier new ones.
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos Ralph Hedley’s The Tournament, 19thC Childhood paintings, Baroque Childhood Paintings, 17thC Childhood paintings, 18thC Childhood paintings, Lindsay Mgbor/Department for International Development, kids in West Bengal, via Wikipedia and/or from my Personal Collection.
Until Next Timeā¦
Ask. Believe. Receive. Ā©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
What beautiful quotes and photos. I love historical photos like these. Makes me want to live back in those times š Thanks for sharing
This is great! I cherish my memories of growing up with a group of the same kids and all the fun we had into our teen years. I relish Sunday suppers of popcorn and ice cream š Of my sister and I watching Brady Bunch and Gilligans Island during the week and going camping with my family. Thanks for a short trip back down Memory lane š
I am thankful that I was able to grow up in my own time. Nothing forced me to grow up quickly or before my time.
I do have many cherished childhood memories and many not so cherished me,prices as well. I think my childhood ended when I was 21 and lost my mother to cancer. š Luckily, I got to spend my career with children, so they reminded me every day for 35 years how to be a child and how important it is to play and laugh all the time!
Love this! š
Times have changed, which makes me shake my head whenever I see a post from someone who complains about food on the table, Or when a cell phone loses signal. Meanwhile, There’s a child out there who only wants a glass of water :-/
You’re so right. It seems to fade away over time. When my older siblings started moving away from the fun and games and started getting jobs and moving out I think it kind of hit me. I figured I was the next one in line to become an adult.
This is lovely. The combination of images and stories and the poetry make for a beautiful and evocative post.
This is beautiful, I have wondered often when my childhood actually ended. I think I rushed it by always wishing I was older… if only I had known! š I will be back to your site!
My childhood ended pretty earlier and like you said, I do not have an exact date but the memory of the events are stamped in my mind. However, there were “bursts of childhood” in between and for those I am grateful. š
I’m going to carry my childhood with me to the grave. Oh how I wish I could go back in time to those innocent and carefree days.
I had a pretty good childhood. We did not have much money but we had family gatherings and good times. Becoming an adult is always difficult when you have that AH HA moment and realize you are in fact an adult!
I have never really thought about the exact moment childhood ended. Beautiful post.
I great childhood impacts hugely on how a person turns out when he/she comes of age. I for one had a normal one, which I think ended earlier than usual due to my mom being away most of the time and some things you just can’t tell dad since it’s a girl thing haha. So I had to grow up, and fast. It also included me staying alone at home, when the whole family takes out of town vacations, maybe that’s why until now I prefer staying at home instead of traveling.
I thank the universe for my happy childhood. It was a crazy, struggling yet happy childhood I should say. š I reminisce childhood today and I could have a full blown smile!
Looking back on one’s childhood can be full of happy memories or trying times. I tend to remember the happy things. I’m really not fully aware of when I considered my childhood to be over. Maybe it’s truly not? š
I enjoyed reading this! It definitely took my back to my childhood. My favorite childhood memories were the holiday season and opening presents on Christmas!
I miss my childhood and I wish I could turn back time. I just want to feel happy and free š
Childhood memories, those are the ones that form you. Those should be the happiest ones… its so sad to think of those youth who are in war zones. Childhood should be happy and not so hard and fearful
It’s truly fun to become a child or a kid once again. Really great post, so much thoughts to ponder upon.
This is true, what matters most are the memories we build and hold close to our hearts. What I remember most during my childhood are the times when my siblings and I would spend no school days outdoors, playing with our neighbors. Most kids nowadays would rather stay in their rooms either using their tablets or playing with their computers.
I had to step up to the plate when my father passed away. My mom was such a mess. She did not know how or where to pay the utility bills, her insurance dues, and the like. It was a big responsibility for me, being the eldest child. It took my mom a good two years to recover.
The transformative periods don’t always end early in life either. I’m 45 and going through a transformative period. It’s very challenging in some ways, and very happy in others. All part of the process, I know. š
Childhood memories are great memories in every one’s life… Because at that phase of life we live free of tension and enjoy every moment of life!!
Indeed. It is often carefree and fancy free. As we get older, it gets complicated. š
That’s a very clever hiaku – that does express what it feels like when you realize your childhood is over. It can be very depressing.
Yes, it can… but we can all learn to move forward.
Wow! It starts off so sweet and innocent. But then the cruelties of life invaded. Hopefully you have plenty of childhood memories that you cherish so that you remember that life is not all bad.
Thank you Tiffany! Some people have rotten childhoods and a happier adulthood and vise versa. I’m grateful for the gift of life; my childhood is just one part of my life. <3
Your poems are wonderful! They always bring a smile to my face š
Thank you! š
lovely as always. My childhood ended the day my mom got sick with cancer. I’ll never forget it, and hope my kids don’t have to go through the same thing. My actual childhood is so very dear to me because I lost my mom so young.
Childhood is so innocent. It’s so ironic that when we are kids we yearn to grow up fast, and when we grow up, we want to be kids again. Childhood might be counted as the best phase of human life cycle.
That first poem reminds me so much of it’s happening in Syria right now. it breaks my heart.
Love this theme! So important to keep a sense of wonder and awe, that the spark of childhood brings! I think that’s why I was a preschool teacher for so long! (Tweeted!)
This is very clever and cute. Its amazing how short childhood is, I don’t think anyone realizes it until its gone.
Kids grow up too fast. We need to give them the best childhood experience ever by letting them be themselves.
I’m seeing this from the other perspective now, as a mother. It makes me want to take advantage of his childhood as much as possible before he has to grow up!
Every child should be able to have a healthy, safe, and happy childhood. Unfortunately this still is not the case in the world today. I can remember many times when I was happy as a child. These were the times when happiness came from the little things in life and not the material things. I will continue to hope and pray that in future all children are all given a happy childhood.
If only I could go back to being a child! This adult thing is too hard but I’m glad to have some fond memories.
Often it seems when you’re young we just want childhood to be over as soon as possible. I know I wanted that and to get away from my mom, so I married at 19 years old. And, then my childhood ended. I hope my children will not make the same mistake and allow themselves to be a bit carry free longer.
This on is especially nice. I think someone’s childhood is so important as to shape them into who they will be.
Very beautiful and inspiring thoughts. I also have fond memories of my childhood, and like you, have pondered when those memories became just that- memories. It really is both happy and sad, but something we can all relate to š
I especially love the very first quote by Agatha Christie. We can reinvent ourselves a million times, but you never get to be child again. Although having children is a close second! hahah!
I like the saying about carrying your childhood with you to stay you. I dont believe in acting my age
Great Haiku! I feel the same way. Your childhood was your innocence and once that goes away, you see so much tragedy and negativity in the world that you didn’t know was there before.
Childhood memories are the best memories to treasure forever.If you are young at heart you really enjoy your life like a child.
Hmmmm…..I can’t pinpoint when my childhood ended. I do love the memories I have though, and hope I am making some great ones for my children too.
I just loved every part of this past which almost brought back most of my childhood memories, the stage where you live like a free butterfly enjoying every moment of it. I just remember the days I used to spend at my grand-mom’s house where I used to help her with gardening mostly & it all ended when she left us.
This is such a beautiful artwork, however also brings nostalgia and somehow sorrow for the childhood lost.
This is a great Haiku. I remember when I used to write them back in the day.
Oh yes, childhood memories are such an integral part of our lives isn’t it. Lucky are he children born into happy homes indeed.
I always have the impression that those happy moments of childhood is what powers us during the tough times in our adulthood. It’s always connected.
Oh just the words, “when childhood ended” crushes my heart. What a magical time, those early years… if only every child had a happy childhood.
I love how the way you convert words in reality. I love this post and had a great time to read it.
If I could, I would love to go back to those days when I was a child on my 7th birthday party. My parents threw a large party for me. Those were the times when life was good.
My earliest memory is being red to at night (along with my siblings) by my mother. Love reading.
My memories of childhood have been good ones. I am very thankful that I did not have a fractured one, but I realized many kids around the world do. – Fred
YOur post reminds me of the morning walk that hubby a and I did. We went to the place where he grew up and it made him sad that his Dad no longer live in that area. I told him at least he has a great childhood memories of the place.
It’s sad when childhood ends but it’s part of life.
A child is only a kid once and we let them be and enjoy their childhood.
The kids look gorgeous.
These poems were wonderful and described when ones childhood comes to a close. I hold tight to my memories when times in my adult life become difficult. Its very depressing to know that I could never be that kid again.
it’s so heavenly felt by the author and the poem takes its life forward..
It really is fun to be a child. Whenever I hear old songs, I remember the times that I heard it back when I was in nursery during our field trip. Nothing to worry much about but how to have fun and what to play next. :p
I love your poetry. It always makes me think. I think that moment that childhood ends is bittersweet for a lot of us. I know it’s a very bittersweet memory for me.
I too cherish my childhood memories. I hope my son, 4 now, will also have great memories from this period. It’s a special one in everyone’s life!
Wow! Very intense! I like the dichotomy between happy childhood, your environment and the transition into adulthood. Powerful!
I agree with the opening quote that having a happy childhood is one of the best things to happen in one’s life. Growing up without carrying emotional/hurt issues.
I once heard a friend say, “Childhood ends when you stop believing in Santa Claus”
But for me, Childhood ends when you stop dreaming.
I think that I have been blessed because I don’t have a particular memory that marks the end of my childhood but rather I was just eased into it.
This is a great post and awesome information. I do have great childhood memories of being held by my mom and her caressing my head or sometimes my back, Lately with her being sick I have been thinking about my childhood memories. I don’t really remember when childhood ended and adulthood began.
Lovely haiku, childhood is precious.
I feel sad to hear you went through a difficult time in your childhood. No child deserves to be in the middle of a war he/she has nothing to do with. I have great respect for people like you who have made yourselves agents of change.
TY Phylicia, It was a short period but it left a mark on all of us in both a positive and not so positive way.
Really interesting post. It’s all great until life gets real and then gets ugly. The hope is that we can hold of the ugly a little longer so our kids can hang on to childhood as long as possible.
Amen to that…
This is an interesting post indeed because it is really so hard for me to disguise when my childhood ended and adolescences began. I will never forget the memories of my mom holding me and caressing my head til I fell asleep. The times the neighborhood kids and us were all play kick the can or slay riding down what we called John Petes hill which was a street in our neighborhood. Them to me are the good old days.
You are very true it is hard to decipher the time when we moved on from childhood, i believe this is a good sign though a smooth transfers means we were ready to transition to a different stage of our lives. really enjoyed reading this post.
Grow we must; it is these childhood memories that u sstill young at heart. š
Childhood memories are precious whether they are happy or sad. The happy ones, we try to recreate with our kids. The sad ones made us stronger persons.
beautiful verse – i have yet to figure out this whole Haiku thing
I love reading poems, and this one is so powerful! Honestly, what a childhood. Thank you for sharing it!
I like your motivation tip, great saying. I am grateful that I didn’t grow up back in the real old days where there was war going on not to forget the great depression time too.
I have that same sense of comfort in my childhood memories. In light of what happened today in the world, I crave that sense of peace.
beautiful. Childhood ends, but our childlike faith des not have to end. š
The quote about childhood not ending if you hold on to it. That is accurate! If we are able to grasp onto the moments of happiness and joy, we can go back to them. For me, it is decorating a gingerbread house each Christmas. It is knowing that the tradition started before my memories, but leaves on with my son. I enjoyed your post!
My mom does not have a happy childhood as life is poor after the second world war. She has told me so many stories and how hard life was when she was a child and I am thankful for her. Giving a good and comfortable childhood and it will be in my memory for the rest of my life.