Ebell Street

Note: Ebell is pronounced "E-bell".

Have you ever played hide 'n seek
In the Summer twilight on Ebell street?
Swarming unafraid the cul de sac,
Little children and cats of black.
This neighborhood song plays on repeat
disturbed only by shouts of "car!" forcing a quick retreat.

With no parents in sight
All is set for another Ebell night.
Running 'round in bare, dirty feet,
Miscellaneous siblings will compete.
Starting with, "Bubblegum, bubblegum, in a dish!
How many pieces do you wish?"

Then counting all the way to one hundred
"No peaking, or else!" instills the proper dread.
Longing to hide with the girl from next door,
Dodging her eyes, you're never sure,
Thoughts of a kiss are so sweet,
Until the one who is "it" you suddenly meet.

Soon giggles and panting give way to a new round
There's still one kid who can't be found.
But first, common law rulings: there is distress!
Is it a tag, when it's the hem of a dress?
And little Paul can't be "it" alone.
Take turns teaming with him, or he'll go home!

The game must end soon and the Sun has long gone
making scary certain parts of the lawn.
Friends and enemies turn into silhouettes
Recognition requires being within a few steps.
Fear of darkness, faith in Ebell Street!
Maybe it's time to perform your greatest feat.

She stands off with her friend,
Sharing secrets that will never end.
Approaching her, now is your chance
For true love, often dismissed as childish romance.
But alas! The girl's parents call her in,
A new round starts, but who'd wanna play hide 'n seek again?