Hide and Seek

I remember how we used to play this game-
creeping slowly around a single tree,
my arm or leg purposely dangling
to assure you I hadn't vanished.
Today you want the whole park.
So I crouch behind a tree trunk
not much wider than me
and when you spy my lingering foot
you leap and scream.
Then you bound across the field like a rabbit
while I count and watch through the cracks in my fingers-
a trick you haven't discovered yet.
Some day, you'll insist I turn my face to the tree
and I will have to let you disappear.
For now, I keep you in sight.
I'll find you way too soon, you'll scream,
and the thrill will be mine.