Robert L. Hinshaw Poet Rhyme

Cracker Jacks

Spare dimes and nickels were rather scarce when I was a lad,
But when I received a nickel now and then from my dear old Dad,
I'd hie to the store to buy a box of those ambrosial snacks,
Known to kids in all the land as scrumptious Cracker Jacks!

I can think of no other tasty morsel created for the masses,
Than that toothsome blend of popcorn, peanuts and molasses!
On the box was a picture of Sailor Jack in his sailor suit,
Along with his faithful mutt, Bingo, colorful and so cute!

Ah, but those magic words on the box are what caught my eyes:
"GUESS WHAT'S INSIDE!" - there was always a 'valuable' prize!
With trembling hand I'd reach in the box with great expectation,
And finding some trivial trinket, I'd give a cry of jubilation!

You might find a baseball card, jacks and among other things,
A tiny truck, ship, automobile and even 'diamond' rings!
A toy soldier, whistle, a fire engine, a small animal or plane,
A card with one of Jack's Funny Facts or a miniature train!

"What'd ya git?" kids asked, then swapping would commence.
In our youthful greed, these dealings grew quite intense!
In the autumn of my life, I peer back through the mists of time,
Recalling simple Cracker Jacks and times that were more sublime!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved

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Sunflower Poetess July 10, 2011 at 2:47 AM Bob, this makes my mouth water for the wonderful taste of Craker Jacks. Agape, Glenna

Ralph Taylor July 6, 2011 at 2:59 PM One of my favorites as a youngster, Bob. Haven't had any recently though! Great piece. Ralphie

Joshua Lacey July 6, 2011 at 2:37 PM sure was a great time! :)

Jack Horne July 5, 2011 at 11:14 AM I don't remember Cracker Jacks, but the 'valuable prize' inside has reminded me of my boyhood fascination with christmas crackers and Kinder Surprise eggs. I enjoyed this lovely nostalgic piece, Bob

Don Johnson July 4, 2011 at 7:55 PM The old days Bob when I was young, you're safe here mate you caint be hung:) great comments from you, good old mate, say g/day to the Aussie steak place. Keep watchin ya, I'll larn sumthin, hey, johnson says g/day:)

Elizabeth Wesley July 4, 2011 at 6:36 PM Precious memories expressed in you own special way. Kids today have more comples pleasures but no more fun.

Judy Ball July 4, 2011 at 5:55 PM Oh I do remember those times. Love those Crcker Jacks to this day. Good job my friend. God Bless, JB

Sidney Hall Mad Poet July 4, 2011 at 5:55 PM WOW you make it sound so, I have to use a woman's word for this, Yummy :-) and the contentment with the little trinkets, I suppose the kids now dauys won't settle for less than a blackberry cell phone.

Mike Dailey July 4, 2011 at 1:37 PM None of the modern popcorn concoctions come close to the taste of the old Cracker jacks. Great poem Bob. Mike

Barbara Gorelick July 4, 2011 at 9:34 AM One of my dark secrets...I love Cracker Jacks and have the hips to prove it..lol Soup Mail returned..finally..BG

Sara Kendrick July 4, 2011 at 9:06 AM Remember those also..Great work expressing how they were a part of the scene way back when..Now we have what is that called toffey coated popcorn and peanuts and there is the carmel kind..Is it crunch and much or something like that but no prize?...Great work that you have created..Sara

Robert A. Dufresne July 4, 2011 at 8:54 AM oh yeah! Remember those well, Rob. You portrayed the excitement of those treats very well. You did 'em justice my friend with your reminiscent poem!

Nette Onclaud July 4, 2011 at 6:50 AM playful notes of exciting reminisces, robert! goood work :) hugggs, nette