Why does it ache?

A family vacation in the woods.

Mystery.

Adventure.

Cushioned by the watchful eyes of parents.

Safe.

***

Why does it pull?

Waiting for the janitor to retrieve my bouncy ball from the school roof only to get one more than I should have.

Curious.

Impatient.

Looking towards the future.

Hopeful.

***

Why does it hurt?

Playing tag with my sister on a summer evening in the middle of the cul-de-sac.

Hyper.

Confident.

Sun barely about to set before being called for dinner.

Happy

***

Why does it stab?

Feeding the family dog food scraps under the table when my mom isn’t looking.

Selfish.

Reckless.

Watching the dog wag it’s tail every time my hand drops food down.

Exciting.

***

All long gone.