When We Were Young (poem) by Rose M Rideout on AuthorsDen

Reviewed on February 1, 2008

Brings to mind the old song "In the year 2525."

Walt

Reviewed on January 31, 2008

You are right , our world has changed, and not for the better. You have called attention to many problems in todays society... Wish I could take my children and grandchildren back to those splendid days of youth...They'd really learn somthing!.......M

Reviewed by RaeLynn Teller

Reviewed on January 28, 2008

Rose--it is not just the kids. I need to turn this thing off and get my butt out of the chair. But I will never give up my microwave.
I think it is across the board, not just the kids.
After all, they do see us sitting here and fighting over the remote.
They learn from example. Good write brings it to the surface.
Smile--RaeLynn

Reviewed by Andy Turner (Reader)

Reviewed on January 28, 2008

Call me a thingy. But as much as I love my son, I refuse to buy him ps3 games wii, and when we meet we go out to castles, the sea, play sport, go on dad n lad weekends. Unlike me who sits hear reading AD for 24/7 getting fat...

Reviewed by Tinka Boukes

Reviewed on January 28, 2008

hahahahaha...I think your husbands comment is better than your poem......lol!!

Sighhhhhh those were the days!!

I could never do a bagrace...always landed on my face!!

Love Tinka

Reviewed by Fred Rideout (Reader)

Reviewed on January 28, 2008

Like the poem, but I don't agree with the content..... I exercise 5 days a week, out doors riding my motorcycle anytime there's no snow on the ground. But I do agree that the remote, next to the invention of Air Conditioning are two very important inventions.
I still love you even with the ventillation problems you experience.

Loving Husband Fred

Reviewed by Georg Mateos

Reviewed on January 28, 2008

Sorry, I can't remember to be young, the aftermath of a war caught with us, although, I can remember a few flashes of happines...
Nice writings you offer here.

Georg

Reviewed by Sanja Dayslink (Reader)

Reviewed on January 28, 2008

Thank you for this write. It is very true -- but what is worse, is that we the parents - grandparents, care takers of these children are providing these vices to our children, we are allowing them to plunk on the couch or sit in front of the tv for hours on end, because "we" cant be bothered, dont have the time or are just plain lazy to get up and take them out! And well, forget about going out in the cold, its just too bitter. Most of these kids would love the enjoyment of outside activity if it was introduced to them via us. We need to take charge of this generation and lead them in the right path, not the easiest one! Great write!

Sanja xo

Reviewed by Selena Dobbin-Gillis

Reviewed on January 28, 2008

It is sad to look around and see what our children are becoming but it is our own fault, we supply them with these (luxuries), and we allow them to sit on the couch in front of the computer or TV. They are missing out on so much. The sunshine,the games to play outside with their friends, and all that great exercise. I wish we could go back and do all those things wouldn't it be wonderful.
Great write sis, I love you.

Selena

Reviewed by Mr. Ed

Reviewed on January 28, 2008

The children don�t like sunshine,
Haven�t a clue of how to play.

So very sadly true, Rose, and something I address in my next book. And the reason I believe our natural world is now going to hell so quickly. Adults are truly terrible role models today; our youth grow lazy and fat, and gone are the very good old days of great outdoor fun like camping, hiking, fishing, and gardening, and even worse, gone is a true appreciation of nature's many wonders.

Reviewed by Felix Perry

Reviewed on January 28, 2008

It is a sad fact that each generation (including our own) is getting lazier and less physical as they go by. I am sure that our parents would look at us after having survived the war years with comments such as "These kids don't know how good they got it to grow up with no bombs going off and both parents being home..." This is the first gerneration of parents though to have the electronic circus thrown into the childhood raising equation so your write is soooo true.
hugs
Fee

Reviewed by Karen Vanderlaan

Reviewed on January 27, 2008

so very true--i have taken my students to the hiking trails and they are often amazed and didn't know they could just go hiking--for free--anytime

Reviewed by Karla Dorman, The StormSpinner

Reviewed on January 27, 2008

Rose,

Don't you know it. When we were young (for me, many years ago), we did not sit in front of the TV, we did not have home movies, we got outside, playing, stretching our muscles. We read, stretching our imaginations. We excercised. Our folks made sure we ate healthy.

Now that I'm older, I'm content to sit in front of the computer...being disabled doesn't help...and it shows, in my spreading form. LOL

Thought provoking excellence, well done.

(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.

Reviewed by Flying Fox Ted L Glines (Reader)

Reviewed on January 27, 2008

Well done Rose! I love the thoughtful way you framed this heartfelt query. I'm with Paul on this one. Yes, if the kids did not have all the information-superhighway options, they would be out in their yards having fun like we did (was it only a few decades ago?). But, life has moved on for most of us. There are sub-cultures like the Quakers and the Amish where kids still do have fun but those cultures are facing the bleak future of almost certain extinction. Here in east Texas, I drive past the middle school each day and I see all the fat kids out and about and (you are right) they do not seem to be full of childish glee. It is sad. Perhaps evolution is sad.

Ted

Reviewed by John Leko

Reviewed on January 27, 2008

...perhaps we should just 'TEXT' them your honest piece of poetry Rose. I believe they could have fun...but social skills have been kicked to the curb...much has become a solo act...of virtual games with a virtual person...on a virtual screen. The all day outside years were fun for us in youth...and we remember them well...still stories to tell.
Thank you for reminding us...
John

Reviewed by E T Waldron

Reviewed on January 27, 2008

Going outside to play is not even heard of today! The changes in the name of progress are always both good and bad. But I think so many of them concerning our youth growing up today has been for the worse!
Excellent poem Rose!

luv,
et

Reviewed by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado

Reviewed on January 27, 2008

I wish kids today would rely on games or exercise instead of sitting in front of the television or the computer, without any regard to their own health! No wonder we are a nation of fatties! (I am fat myself, but at least I try to get my exercise!! I make an effort!) Sad what we have become!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :(

Reviewed by George Carroll

Reviewed on January 27, 2008

Can't help but say a resounding YES.

Reviewed by Paul Berube

Reviewed on January 27, 2008

Excellent write Rose. They don't even realize what they are missing. Yes, I think they'd have fun. Society and commercialism created what they have today that they consider fun. But the times they do change. For the better? Not in my book. Although I must admit; it's a lot easier to write using this computer rather than an old fashioned typewriter or even a pencil. My God ! I still remember how excited I was when I got my first fountain pen. Remember those? Way to go Poet. Great poetic story.