TO A BOY growing up in the country, the vacant lot was as important for life lessons as any classroom. It was a world of fantasy where we played, dreamed, laughed, cried, stretched our minds and learned lessons about getting along with others. Our values developed and we made the journey from childhood to manhood. We didn’t realize this was going on; we were just having a good time.
Growing up, the vacant lot was where we built tree houses, imaginary pirate ships and hideouts, things our parents never let us build at home. Tree houses were the most challenging and exciting to build. Back then you could find wood in packing crates or abandoned houses. Boards for the platform were hauled by ropes to a good crotch in the tree and secured there. We learned carpentry and architecture in our own silly way.
Growing up, I wonder how many of my friends started their careers in a vacant lot. Here we had the time to examine the world closely.
We watched the birds build their nests and excitedly gathered around as soon as the ugly naked chicks appeared. Through the weeks that followed, we watched the parents carrying wriggling worms to the nest to satisfy the hungry mouths that never seemed to have enough. And then there was the day the fledglings teetered on the edge of the nest and took their first flight. We worried that a roaming cat might find the baby while it was still on the ground.
By the time we were 12 years old, the vacant lot had done its job. There we could be boys, and, without adult supervision, experience the marvels of nature and learn life lessons like how to work as a team. Surrounded by tall grass, we lay on our backs, looked up and saw our dreams in the sky. Everything we needed was right there on the vacant lot.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Thanks for reading! It's been a while since I last posted some short story on this side of the web. I was busy at work and with my one year old baby girl. If lucky, I may be able to share several slice-of-life stories from this point onwards. Again, I do hope you enjoy the content for this week's story. Have a happy journey!