More Human

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I wrote this after a conversation with a friend on the past, when we had almost nothing materialistically but believed we were rich just living in a free country and how we shared sports equioment, fed strangers, left our doors open all night and never really knew fear.

Remember when times were so hard
Families could barely make ends meat
But if a stranger came too your door
He’d be offered something to eat

Getting into a fight in the park
With the kid who lived next door
Dads just joking about the fight
And you became friends forever more.

Reading hospital admissions in the paper
Finding a neighbor on the list
Stopping in to visit him
Letting him know that he was missed

High school football at the stadium
And listening to the band
The whole town filled the seats
If you were late you had to stand.

When you stopped at a department store
They called you by your name
Now you are just an account number
The times are not the same

There was a connection between each one
A sense of belonging in every way
We shared our dreams a common love
We were mode human than we are today.

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Susan Ashley

Date: 10/9/2022 7:01:00 AM

Dear Vince, how fortunate for you to have lived with such a sense of security and community. I share your memories and remember well the same widespread community camaraderie growing up. It still exists today (I still live in such a neighborhood) but it exists here in shrinking islands among the city's shifting population tide. Your nostalgic sentiments are beautifully expressed and portray a gentle considerate time when forging bonds strengthened the spirit of the people. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan