1950 To 51

Life way back then when i was ten,
   From wartime days, to peace again.
   Few luxuries on ration books,
   Not even scraps for feeding ducks.
   But more important than our wealth,
   To tend our needs the National Health.
   As smoking chimneys mixed with fog,
   Our lungs were filled with filthy smog.
   Always hard up, no cash to spend,
   My mum would say, make do and mend.
   Bows and arrows, were once scrap wood,
   We all took turns being Robin Hood.
   Old pram wheels and packing cases,
   Now soap box cars, for thrilling races.
   In summertime, games in the park,
   Promised my mum, home before dark.
   Some orange juice with jam and bread,
   Those poor little ducks, never got fed.
   On sunny days we had picnics,
   Saturdays our treat to watch the flicks.
   In windy weather, flying our kites.
   Our streets at night, lit by gaslights,
   We raced pell-mell down helter skelters.
   On top of disused air raid shelters.
   Chumping wood for the Guy Fawkes fire,
   Sundays, i sang descant, in the choir.
   Wintertime rugby, for the school team,
   Lots of energy, we let off steam.
   Exam results were a big surprise,
   Top of the class, winning first prize.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

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Gentry Avatar
February 18, 2016 at 10:49 AM
Excellent! Congratulations on your win!
Sergi Avatar
February 17, 2016 at 10:14 AM
Hi George: Great poem; I can relate; a movie costing 15 cents and other small delights.
A   Avatar
February 17, 2016 at 9:20 AM
George, Congratulations on your nice win. LINDA
Onclaud Avatar
February 17, 2016 at 7:33 AM
great moments from your pen, george.. big congrats...huggs
Lane Avatar
February 17, 2016 at 5:35 AM
Thanks for allowing us a peek into your childhood, George, and congrats on placing.
Kimathi Avatar
February 17, 2016 at 2:28 AM
A delightful piece indeed!!! Congrats George, for your placement in the contest!!! ;-)
Turner Avatar
February 16, 2016 at 9:35 PM
Such a wonderful story, George. Must have really been rough over there. I'm glad you let us into your life. Thank you and congratulations.
Deschler Avatar
February 16, 2016 at 8:10 PM
I used to love flying those colorful kites when I was young too... Congrats on a win with this beautiful poem! Nicely written and rhymed! Thanks for entering, George :)
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