On rainy days my siblings and I
We'd build a tent city and crawl in to hide
We'd use up all of Mom's sheets and the blankets
Stock up with pencils, books and our trinkets
There was eight of us children and I was the oldest
The pack leader...the tallest and even the boldest
I'd tell them ghost stories and use a flashlight
I'd moan...sigh with my voice...and ohhhhh, what a fright
Their eyes would pop out just as the thunder
Puchuated the wee ones and they'd shudder asunder
The chill of the Autumn and winter's encroaching
With the storm of the season as lightning approached
We'd hear the tick of the power then count on our fingers
Cause lightning, you know, is miles before thunder
Mom would say that God was up there merely bowling
Then the story would turn as the winds would start howling
Then stories would change and we'd be on a boat
Sailing the Greek Islands with a three headed goat
Cyclops would peer over straits as we sailed
The sisters would sigh and the boys?...they would wail
Then I'd start rocking to make for high seas
Some of my siblings would turn green and heave
Then with a yell, "Susan...Princess, come get some old hats
"You're scaring the babies...you gotta stop that!".
Then we'd costume our creative side and make up a play
Then I'd direct our creations on those dark rainy days
Children today don't make time for thinking
They're amused by the computer and Gameboy's blinking
I'm afraid their creativity has gone with the wind
I believe you are right, Susan; and most of them spend far too much time indoors today instead of reveling in the great outdoors, as most of us did when we were kids.
I remember reading this some time back, and the wonderful memories it brings back of my childhood When my brother,sister and I would make tent cities at our grandmother's house. Sad that the children of today rarely get to exercise their creativity like that. Wonderful write.
Imaginative playtime is a thing of the past. A relic like me. But those sure were the good old days. There was so much to do to have fun and none of it cost a dime. Nice write Susan. Brought back fond memories. Thanks and God bless.
I so related to this one as I looked back on my own childhood in the middle of a family of 10 and also an extended family of cousins and neighbours. We knew what fun was and it didn't come attached to a power cord. A great write dear Susan...brought back memories.
hugs
Fee
Lovely poem to read -great memories, brought back similar - have same fears, fortunately i taught kids - and they persuaded me they are still creative! Not very good at pranks tho - bit worrying! Being safe outside when its sunny would help matters - i was as free as a bird in that respect, kids arent free to go out and play anymore..oh my goodness -i feel a grumpy old woman rant coming on and your poem was far from that! Thanks for the read Susan -enjoyed :o)Nicky xx
I'm right there, Susan... Can just see you as Captain of 8... it was just me and the rats in the attic, but I made 'em brush their teeth before I allowed them to come aboard MY ship! :)) You are so Jo from Little Women, you know!! K xx
Oh how right you are "creativity gone with the wind!"
Thank God you have yours to pass on hopefully, this
brought back so many similar memories it was a delight!
Thank you for having me as a guest in you'tent.' While watching you entertain the kids, I played with siblings and my kids, too. Also, enjoyed the refreshment; rain-weakened lemonade? Or, perhaps, liquid memorries served to each of us. Great stuff! - Bill
...what imaginary worlds...some blankets...clothes pins...and a clothesline held...and the trees...became the sanctuary...of our most hidden childhood.
well done Susan...
John
I miss the good old days where kids used their imaginations to play instead of having all these fancy, electronic gadgets or the tv or computer to entertain them instead of being outside, getting needed exercise; no wonder so many kids today are "fat". Sad! And what's worse the parents today just don't give a d***...Very well penned, Susan; brava!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :)
I still love to play games (catch, badminton, frisbee, although I'm not nearly as quick or spry as I once was), and I love to draw or color! :) And I'll be fifty next year!! How 'bout that?? I'm still a kid even though my body tells me differently! LOL
Got that right, Susan, when we were growing up, we'd go outside and play for hours, until dusk called us home, or would read, or play board games, or 'pretend' - still much prefer reading to watching TV - today's kids have no imagination!! Everything's done for them - sad - I concur 1,000 per cent with Jerry. Well done!
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
And I'm nearly 49, still love to color. What you gone say 'bout that? LOL
Reviewed by Jerry Bolton (Reader)
Reviewed on February 27, 2008
If you don't believe what this poem says check out the commercials on television these days . . . You can bet they are created by the "younger" generation because eighty percent of the make absolutely no sense whatsoever . . . Tell me I'm lying . . .
Let this coming of age story of a boy named Bean take you back to a simple time. Set in a small southern town in the 1960's, encircled by a river and gleaming white cotton fields.
The familiar lament of dual-career parents raising children is, "I just can't do it all." The Libra Solution provides an alternative - a more satisfying and sustainable work and life approach - to the overwrought modern day norm.
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Ron
Love, Pierre
hugs
Fee
Thank God you have yours to pass on hopefully, this
brought back so many similar memories it was a delight!
Love Tinka
well done Susan...
John
Thanks for bringing back memories of other happy times.
Georg
A pleasure to read...Gerard
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :)
I still love to play games (catch, badminton, frisbee, although I'm not nearly as quick or spry as I once was), and I love to draw or color! :) And I'll be fifty next year!! How 'bout that?? I'm still a kid even though my body tells me differently! LOL
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
And I'm nearly 49, still love to color. What you gone say 'bout that? LOL