Kids in the Street

Halloween is that time of the year when kids dress up in costumes and go door to door demanding candy. It’s a fun time enjoyed by all ages, but as time goes on, Halloween becomes a window of change. The saddest change is the disappearance of children.

When I was a kid, there were many kids trick-or-treating in my neighborhood. However, as I have grown older, I noticed the slow decline of kids coming to the door. We would still buy candy, because there are always at least some who are expecting it. Yet, it is sad to see what once was popular all but vanish, not because people don’t enjoy it, but because the children are gone.

As an adult and with responsibilities, I can see why some people don’t like kids. They can be brats, loud, clueless, unpredictable, or unaware of their surroundings. The latter two are probably the most troubling. Some people don’t like kids playing in the street, because they fear hitting them with their car. I know I have this fear when I back out of a driveway.

At the same time, the lack of children laughing outside is sad. I recall great times enjoying some little game in the street or the yard. The silence left from the absence of toddlers running around is dreary. The lack of life could make any neighborhood a graveyard.

Having children is an important and necessary part of society. Not only does it keep society going, but it reminds us of innocent play. Children remind us that there are ways to have fun without being crude, insulting, or sexual. Sometimes we get too involved with our desire for “mature” content, that we can see no way of enjoying anything that isn’t.

Sure I can now walk around the blocks and hear the peace and quiet. But at the same time, I hear the noises of construction, pollution, and loud motorcycles. I rather hear the sounds of true enjoyable laughter and dreams. Those can make any dreary place come alive. I hope someday soon, they will return to my neighborhood.