1968

Drivers License!

You could get a limited one at 15-1/2, or wait till 16

You had to go through driver’s education, then a learner’s permit process

With Mom or Dad agonizing in the passenger seat

Dad couldn’t handle it so Mom did the deed most of the time

Finally after passing (barely) a DMV driving test

Freedom!!

Well sort of

Permission is a four letter word

Ultimately the folks got more comfortable

The keys came a little easier

I never once crashed their vehicle

But not for lack of trying

Luck is huge in life

I attended a local Lutheran church then

Had a little crush on a couple of girls my age

In the summer the church sponsored Bible studies for the youngsters

They needed older teenage volunteers to help

Since the objects of my interest participated

I was there with enthusiasm

Back then it was cool to wear shoes without socks

Penny loafers or sneakers, it didn’t matter

I’ve always had sweaty feet

Sweaty, sweaty feet

High end leather top sneakers were really uncommon

Adidas made them but primarily for track

I ran the 100 yard high hurdles, and cross country

Always with socks

But my runabout canvas top sneakers were not so fortunate

No Socks

It is really quite amazing how soon Mother Nature can unleash critters

Inside a shoe, not the furry kind, well maybe

Weeks of sockless wear took a terrible toll on my shoes and toes

The washing machine was of no use.

Bleach was useless

Canvas sneakers breathe alright

Eye watering foot halitosis

Might as well have been barefoot in a cowpie

My enthusiasm waned rather quickly for Bible Study supervision

Baby sitting little ones making Jesus bracelets was less fun

Without peer involvement

I decided that socks were cool

And my sneakers thanked me

Copyright 2010 Patrick Granfors