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I Remember When

I remember when the days were longer
Or at least it seemed they’d never end
When times were tough, and we struggled
Through day after day of troubling blend

So tight it was difficult to tell where one
Ended and another began, Mama said,
“We might be poor, but we aren’t trashy,”
Wondered whether I’d be better off dead

Sometimes when wants gave way to needs
Difficult for a youngster to understand
Especially when taught to simply make do
With what one has in this grasping land

We did muddle through those lean years
And times did get better, or so it seems
Years came when we were not so needy
We were able, at last, to live our dreams.

written September 3, 2021

Copyright © L Milton Hankins | Year Posted 2021

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Delice Arleen Skelly Date: 9/4/2021 8:57:00 PM Nice poem recounting hard times...Delice Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 9/4/2021 9:32:00 PM That was my upbringing...taught me endurance, perseverence, and determination. Many good, helpful lessons come out of adversity during our formative years. Unfortunately, sometimes, youngsters just give us. Sad!

Gershon Wolf Date: 9/4/2021 7:51:00 PM Always interesting, that we remember the struggle more fondly than the resultant success. :) gw Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 9/4/2021 8:07:00 PM I think that's true, gw, and I don't know why. Perhaps our mind refuses to move on as quickly as we do.

Vijay Pandit Date: 9/4/2021 1:39:00 PM WOW! I can certainly relate to the theme of your poem, Milton. It hurts to go back there. But like your said, time did get better and dreams are reality. Wonderfully expressive write in simple yet elegant words. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 9/4/2021 2:42:00 PM Thanks so much. It blesses my heart to know that you could relate to my poem and that it brought back memories.

Jack Horne Date: 9/4/2021 8:28:00 AM inspiring write here, my friend Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 9/4/2021 9:23:00 AM Jack, thanks so much, my friend.

Mike Gentile Date: 9/4/2021 4:58:00 AM Memories are one of our most precious gifts I feel, Milton. Even those which are not easy can help us and so often, for me, I seem to remember the good ones so much more, however small. A lovely reflection you have penned! Happy Saturday! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 9/4/2021 9:24:00 AM Thank you so much, Mike. I really appreciate the time you took to read and comment on my poem. It's always nice to hear from you. Have a fine Labor Day weekend.

Heidi Sands Date: 9/3/2021 8:38:00 PM Great poem Milton. A special, positive ending too :) Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 9/3/2021 9:40:00 PM Thank you, Heidi. I appreciate your kind thoughts.

Shirley Hawkins Date: 9/3/2021 5:44:00 PM I remember those times too. I was born in London. It was during the Blitz, I was walking home from school with my friend when suddenly all went black I saw sparks coming from the back of my shoes, a V2 rocket fell on a beautiful library killing children who had gone to the library on the way home from Holy Trinity Primary school which I attended. I lived in Holly St which was badly bombed. had we been on the other side of the Rd we may not be here to tell the tale. horridhackney.com for details Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 9/3/2021 8:04:00 PM Thank you so very much, Shirley, for verifying, actualizing, and substantiating my words in a remarkable way through your experience. I cannot thank you enough.