In Days Gone By

In Days Gone Byu

In days gone by, I rocked my daughter’s newborn baby child.
So beautiful, he never cried, and all the time he smiled!

His mom would come for him, and beautiful was she.
“Goodbye,” said I, and when she left, I still had some time free.

I’d go to see with friends a show, an early matinee.
We laughed a lot; then I’d go home. Sun still lit the day.

And since I had a bit more time, I’d often take a swim
inside a place whose name since changed. It used to be Gold’s Gym.

And then the evening came; I taught at night in school.
Beside a board with chalk in hand, I'd give a grammar rule!

Inside a pretty car while driving home at night,
I’d sing a happy tune or think of things to write.

How blessed I felt to be inside my little ragtop car
with the top down and nice breeze. Sometimes I’d see a star.

I could make a little wish that those who struggled yet-
who dreamed of things like which I had- would have their own needs met.

That every soul on earth with no roof above his head
could one day hold a grandchild like mine who was safe and fed.

In days gone by, these things I did. Now life is not the same.
Yet I’m grateful for the good things that have still remained.

July 9, 2020
for Brian Strand's Strand Completely New (7) Any Theme Any Form Poetry Contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Watt Avatar
August 9, 2020 at 3:00 PM
Your first line had me thinking you were going to talk about your college days!
Watt Avatar
August 9, 2020 at 2:59 PM
I do so enjoy the attitude of gratitude, which you have in abundance, dear poetess.
Krutsinger Avatar
July 10, 2020 at 3:46 PM
A beautiful missive full of gratitude and love.
Cunningham Avatar
July 9, 2020 at 9:34 AM
It's a shame things have to change, but that's life I suppose. Tom
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