No video games or heavy metal
When I was just a child
Neighbors were always welcome
To come in and stay awhile
A game of hopscotch on the walk
From a wobbly child's hand
Song's were sung in a language
We could all understand
Mama canned from the garden
She washed clothes on a board
We didn't seem to miss
The luxuries we couldn't afford
No mall, no Walmart or McDonald's
How did we ever get by
Life was playing in the sun
Eating Mama's apple pie
I remember a swing set
Daddy had put up out back
And listening to the lone whistles
From a nearby railroad track
There was no talk of dope
Not one reason to fight
No one was ever afraid
Doors were left unlocked at night
There were no reports of shootings
On the morning news
Nothing was ever thrown away
Someone else could use
We learned respect from Mama
To say Yes Ma'm and Thank You
We wasn't above a spanking
I've been known to have a few
A game of hopscotch on the walk
From a wobbly child's hand
Song's were sung in a language
We could all understand
(C) 2007 Linda Hill
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Reviews of "Back In My Memory"
Reviewed by Stan Grimes (Reader)
Reviewed on May 23, 2007
You provided an excellent descriptive image of a life many remember. Great job, Linda
We didn't seem to miss
The luxuries we couldn't afford
And I truly think we were much better off than the kids today - even with those spankins we got! I think I miss the good old days more and more - every day now.
It was all so simple then. We didn't need electronics to keep us occupied. We were subjected to less of the evils than the children are today. We learned how to take no for an answer but somewheres down the road the no's became, we'll see or maybe's. You've done an excellent job with this my friend. Many Blessings to You Always, Paul.
Yes and Red Rover, Red Rover, Hide and seek, cowboys and indians, cops and robbers, toboggoning on scraps of cardboard....so many memories stirred you in this one, thank you for sharing...
Awe now Linda you are talking about my favorite memories...we too played many games of hop scotch, Red Rover, red light green light, and hide and seek. No, we didn't need electronics, we had the great outdoors and imaginations big enough to play and and far better fun than than any one video game could ever provide. We too got our fair share of spankings, a switch occasionally if needed, and we said yes ma'm and no ma'm, please and thank you, we knew when to be quiet, grace was said before meals, and it was an automatic that Sunday was a day we went to church..you've took me back a few years, but to a more simple and safe day that now seems as if it were a life time ago. Many of our children today have no idea what they missed! I try to share many of these stories with my students every year, I call them Mrs. Bowling Tales....the kids love them! It also gives me a chance to stroll down memory lane! Enjoyed this well written write my friend! God Bless!
Blessings,
Joyce B.
Reviewed by Theresa curnow (Reader)
Reviewed on May 23, 2007
Oh how very true this is. Innocence is now lost in a violent ungrateful society. Where I work, there is a lovely old man, 104 he is and he tells me tales about the good old days. There was human spirit back then and I think its lost somewhat today.
Great poem Linda. I really enjoyed it, love Theresa.
And they said that the "good old days" is just a myth of todays elders don't understanding "progress".
1920: Infection 13.792 Murder 756
2007: Infection 34 Murder 147.668
Who say we aren't better since Penicillin?
Georg
Linda, this is just priceless! Days long gone in reality, yet linger in our minds and hearts. Looking back, yet focused on the future...Enjoyed the walk through time.....
One wonders what happened. I do know this thoguh: when God, prayer, and family values/morality were removed from our society, that's when things started to go downhill. We need to put God back into our homes, our schools, into our HOMES. Bring discipline back; none of this talking to your kids or time outs; they do NOT work. Stop treating your kids as your friends; be a PARENT to your kids, let them know who's boss! Sorry, but that's how I feel! You got me stirred up with this one!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :(
Exactly When Being Kid Was a Kid,i.e. We Made Our Own Tree Swings, Outa Tires,Skate Boards Outa Boxes,Me Climbing To Top Of 100' Trees Swinging in Wind,, Bridge Girders, Riden Bike,etc..--NEAT Linda...
My Mooma Invited Bums In Off Streets Fed Them Meal,Hot Coffee,i.e. No Body Robbed You Then Or Even Locked Doors...In 1950s...
Your True Friend,TRASK
Reviewed by Ron (sketchman) Axelson (Reader)
Reviewed on May 22, 2007
Your write is the way it was when I grew up.
If someone needed food Dad & Mom
give them what they could...
Great real life write Linda...
Your neighborhood was my neighborhood: neighbors cared, took care of each other; houses left unlocked; children could play, safe ... ahhhh, the memories you bring in beautiful, nostalgic verse. How I wish we could return to that time...thank you for the memories, my (((friend))). Well done!
A homonymless man writes shows what it's like to look up the laid he skirts when you’re lying prone(d) to the sidewalk, beer / joint / needle dangling from your hand /lips / arm.
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Your friend,
Stan
Love Tinka
And guess what?
I was the remote control.
Walt, change the channel...turn up the volume a bit
I never minded it one whit
Walt
The luxuries we couldn't afford
And I truly think we were much better off than the kids today - even with those spankins we got! I think I miss the good old days more and more - every day now.
It was all so simple then. We didn't need electronics to keep us occupied. We were subjected to less of the evils than the children are today. We learned how to take no for an answer but somewheres down the road the no's became, we'll see or maybe's. You've done an excellent job with this my friend. Many Blessings to You Always, Paul.
Fee
Blessings,
Joyce B.
Great poem Linda. I really enjoyed it, love Theresa.
1920: Infection 13.792 Murder 756
2007: Infection 34 Murder 147.668
Who say we aren't better since Penicillin?
Georg
Be safe,
Karen
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :(
Excellent write as always, Linda!
My Mooma Invited Bums In Off Streets Fed Them Meal,Hot Coffee,i.e. No Body Robbed You Then Or Even Locked Doors...In 1950s...
Your True Friend,TRASK
If someone needed food Dad & Mom
give them what they could...
Great real life write Linda...
Your neighborhood was my neighborhood: neighbors cared, took care of each other; houses left unlocked; children could play, safe ... ahhhh, the memories you bring in beautiful, nostalgic verse. How I wish we could return to that time...thank you for the memories, my (((friend))). Well done!
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.