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Open Poetry #43
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'Sticks 'n Stones..'
| Open Poetry #43 |
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'Sticks 'n Stones..' |
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sullivanthepoet.com Member
since 2007-06-28
Posts 154Devon, England |
There was a time, another age, if we turn back that dog eared page; When boys wore boots and rolled down socks, and girls had sandals, bows and frocks; Our ‘Poofs’ held up gran’s swollen feet, and kids could play out in the street. With scabby knees and dirty chops, and clay bunged Tizer from the shops; Whole days around the bomb sites spent, ‘fore venture playgrounds were invent; Commando knives with rubber blades, lime mortar lumps our Mills grenades. Where ‘mortar’ blasts got in your eye, and stinging nettles made you cry; On corrugated iron sleds, we scoured our shins and lumped our heads; We stood on nails in bits of wood, wore duffle coats by just the hood. Old water cisterns pirate ships, stocked up with buns and sherbet dips; We passed around the ginger pop, when only cissies wiped the top; And impetigo, nits and fleas, ran stowaways on our high seas. Short back and sides was all we had, and every kid still had a dad; When ally bags were made by mums, from last year’s shorts that showed our bums; Home knitted ‘ballies’ warmed our ears, and schoolies got to tan our rears. Those when ‘parkies’ thicked your lugs, hot home made custard came in jugs; Cold winter lino froze your feet, and bobbies all still walked their beat; When every pantry had a mouse, and doctors still came to your house. Texts’ were still in dots and dashes, maids kept cats and grew moustaches; When kids could still call mates rude names, and join all sorts of risk filled games; Play stretch with rusty pocket knives, and conkers, bulldog, sand pit dives. When arguments were set with fists, or Chinese burns on both your wrists; Pinch, punch and dead legs just for spite, and pulling jerseys… Was a fight! When pens had nibs and proper ink, and dad shaved in the kitchen sink. Our school kept hamsters in a cage, brown backpack satchels were the rage; When babes ate worms and played with tar, and only Doctors owned a car; Toys ‘n trikes in bright lead paint, were chewed and ate without complaint. With callipers a common sight, on streets that were still safe at night; When kids could play safe in the park, and women walk home in the dark; A better class of villain then, when kids were kids and men were men! The phone lived in a big red box, most kids caught several sorts of pox; Or rickets; And the measles too, and no-one dreamed of sniffin’ glue! When thick ears came in twos and threes, for scrumpin’, backchat, climbin’ trees. On every hearth an open fire, behind a bit of plated wire; In every room thick coal tar fumes, from every chimney suph’rous plumes; Hand knitted mitts on woollen strings, and Christmas chains from paper rings. When candy cigarettes were cool, and even poor kids went to school; It was alright to just be thick, and no-one thought to take the mick; When Golliwogs were cuddly toys, And no-one made a doll for boys. When matrons ran the national health, and football pools brought sudden wealth; All kids with specs for squints or casts, had one lens made of ‘lastoplasts; Your mum still tucked you in at night, and telly came in black and white. The trains we spotted ran on steam, and vans came round with fresh ice cream; Fish vendors came with wooden carts, and shops sold blackjacks, canes and hearts; When all gents’ barbers walked with limps, and dads cleared blocked up flues with ‘imps’. When Health & Safety was your mum, and sailors got a tot of rum; The flicks had children’s matinees, for sixpence each on Saturdays; With pea shooters and maché balls, to pelt the kids down in the stalls. It’s better now, or so I’m told, perhaps it’s ‘cause I’m getting old; I don’t remember downtrod masses, looking back through rose tint glasses; I do remember having fun, a childhood playing… In the sun. © Sullivan the Poet 2008 |
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| © Copyright 2008 Sullivan - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
This brings back so many memories, Sullivan. Though they are American memories, they are much the same. I guess we should be grateful for that childhood because children are virtual prisoners in this world today. This is a marvelous glimpse of a time that is passed. Ida |
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GothicCherry Member
since 2008-09-16
Posts 471TN |
i wasn't around during the time you described but it sounds amazing, you are extremely good with words and the emotion you must have felt when writing it really shows through. |
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
I like this so much I had to read it again. Ida |
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Honeybunch Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115South Africa |
What a lovely meander through the past, Michael. I remember the freedom we had then as children which my children never had but everything changes and I do believe that the "new" children are equipped for what they have to face. Mine today recall a good childhood so ... each to their own as they say. Thanks for a good read. Helen |
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Susan Caldwell Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348Florida |
I don't remember it all... And there is some I don't miss at all.. But I did have some fun as a kid...not so sure kids have fun anymore. perfectly written throughout...must have taken forever...I don't do so well with the rhyme. "too bad ignorance isn't painful" |
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Grinch Member Elite
since 2005-12-31
Posts 2929Whoville |
Nostalgia ain’t what it used to be but this definitely is. It could be said that poems of this type, awash with so many time and location specific references, are wasted on those that didn’t live it every day. I believe however that this one is technically good enough to stand a little misunderstanding and still come out the other side based on the fact and recognition that it’s well written. If you can manage to get every reference though, through the happy coincidence of geographical proximity and date of birth, it just adds to the enjoyment. You’ve got nine years on me but I’m just about old enough to straddle the timeframe and references that you’ve captured. Maybe it’s because my home in the north clung onto the old ways a lot longer than most - Lancashire a desperate Dan county tempted by the cow pie of progress while refusing to loosen it’s grip on last week’s Dandy. Enjoyed. Craig |
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steavenr Member Elite
since 2003-11-17
Posts 4058 |
so many memories...such good times...thanks for bringing them back to the fore by your sharing...enjoyed immensely |
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Bonnie j Senior Member
since 2003-06-27
Posts 1588Ohio |
Oh! The memories we have stored in our picture book of the mind.Playing hop-scotch, jumping rope, high water low water, sliding down a banister, playing in mud puddles with our bikes. Roller skating on the side walk and swinging around the parking meters just for fun.So many things of joy as a child I remember. I have one I will share with you it is called:BOOK OF LOVING MEMORIES. Loved the journey you have taken us. A time when it was safer. When parents would lean over the back fence and talk with the neighbors.Lemonade stands and cotton candy. Sitting together with family and listening to the radio. Thanks for the memories. Hugs BonBOn  |
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The Lady Member Rara Avis
since 2005-12-26
Posts 7634The Southwest |
wonderful memories sullivan and so well told I may steal some for my own |
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