My Last Real Toy

When I was really small, I loved my trike, and then I graduated to a bike. I also liked to skip, so mother bought A jump rope that I used an awful lot. It seems I really loved to hop around, to have my feet come off, then back on ground. I got a pogo stick I used all year and wore out quickly once I learned to steer! At 15, I was not the same small kid, for there were other fun things that I did. However, I still liked some childish things like Sting Ray bikes and trampolines and swings. That year appeared in stores a brand new toy, a grand delight for every girl and boy. And though a woman I had now become, that Christmas I just had to have me one! This last “real” toy of mine I won’t forget because it brought me also some regret. A toy once you start, you can hardly stop: Can you guess? It was the Hoppity Hop. This toy was just a big strong rubber ball. You’d grip its handles so you wouldn’t fall. I loved to bounce around the yard on it, and all I had to do was simply sit! A boy I kind of liked showed up one day. I didn’t know he’d come and seen me play until I got up off that crazy ball and went to tell him “hi,” but that’s not all. . . I learned the back side of my shorts had split. The whole time he was there, I never knew it. My sisters later told me. Well, that guy simply stayed and didn’t bat an eye! I felt so idiotic and was sure he must have found me kind of immature, a grown girl hopping all around her lawn! But worse was how I felt once he had gone. He’d seen my shorts ripped from behind, and then said nothing. I could not face him again. So silly! He still liked me after all. . . but I abandoned him and that dang ball!
For Paula Swanson's "Childhood Memory" Contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

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12
Davis Avatar
April 27, 2014 at 12:09 PM
Andrea Such a charming, cute, sweet, and fun write. The story is told so well I felt like I was right there with you. Thank you for the great comment on my Lifeline poem
Cavanaugh Avatar
November 25, 2013 at 6:19 AM
What a cute poem. I think the boy was just love sick and too embarrassed himself to say anything.
Horsman Avatar
November 3, 2012 at 6:39 AM
why do i love reading your poems? because you are you, and it does not get much better than that...
Babcock Avatar
July 15, 2011 at 5:43 PM
This is soooo cute Andrea. He didn't mind that the pants were split he was interested in you. love phyl
Poet Avatar
July 11, 2011 at 12:00 PM
Congrats Andrea on your win...very enjoyable write:)
Maverick Avatar
July 10, 2011 at 12:35 PM
Nostalgia Andrea, again you are taking us there, i am sure there were problems but now they seem everywhere..win a good spot with this..
Dailey Avatar
July 10, 2011 at 6:42 AM
I never did get the hang or the pleasure out of those boncy balls. Mike
Horne Avatar
July 10, 2011 at 6:05 AM
I knew this had to be a winner! Many congrats to you, Andrea : )
Mehta Avatar
July 10, 2011 at 4:55 AM
My congratulations on this win in the contest of Paula, Andrea
Onclaud Avatar
July 9, 2011 at 11:00 PM
andie!happy thumbs up to you on your stunning win! :) huggs
Sweetheart Avatar
July 9, 2011 at 4:12 PM
Congrats Andrea on a fabulous win with this impressive write my friend.. super as always and amazing as u..luv..
Mister Roboto Avatar
July 9, 2011 at 12:22 PM
my 8 year old boy loves this one Andrea! Your suggestions have been helpful to a good cause. I do thank you for your continued assistance. You have QUITE an impressive Archive of work.
Brown Avatar
July 9, 2011 at 11:51 AM
Congratulations on your win Andrea in Paula's "Childhood Memory" contest. Love, Carol
Foulk Avatar
July 9, 2011 at 10:20 AM
Loved this childhood Memory, it brought a smile, really enjoyed reading it, good luck in contest. thank you for commenting on Wisdom for the Wise.
Horne Avatar
July 9, 2011 at 9:35 AM
LOL, I love this fun piece, Andrea. Isn't it funny looking back on things that we once nearly died of embarrassment over? And realising we would probably just laugh about them now!
Kearley Avatar
July 9, 2011 at 8:06 AM
Loved it! I could picture it as I read.Thanks for the comments on my poem.I'm at a point that any feedback keeps me going.
Culverhouse Avatar
July 9, 2011 at 6:04 AM
I loved that big ball too....so cool. That was the funny part of my tire story.....it was 14 years old and dry rotted, I did not call the company.
Austin Avatar
July 9, 2011 at 4:33 AM
A TRAGEDY Think how your life may have turned out if your pants hadn't split. On the other hand...............The poem has magically left the reader with speculation. I like it mucho. Love, daver
Onclaud Avatar
July 8, 2011 at 9:37 PM
awhhh, this sends me reeling, andie... congrats too on all your winning trophies--linda's, constance's and brian's.. can't keep up with individual cheers; hopefully i can this sunday... yipeee, go for the win!! :) huggs, nette
Johnson Avatar
July 8, 2011 at 3:16 PM
good one babe, I can see your embarrasment. But being a guy you were NOW more interesting (my view) hindsite, could have been the one, but kept away and thoughts undone:) XO, Don
Macmillan Avatar
July 8, 2011 at 2:24 PM
LOL! Just googled. It was called "Lemon Twist" and it was considered an "ankle toy". Hey thanks for bringing back a really GOOD memory. I think it was supposed to be my sister's, but I almost permanently borrowed it. :-) It's a retro toy from the late 70's early 80's. Of course now I feel old. Very very old. So on second thought, I retract my thanks and ask you to send me a bottle of Geritol as compensation ;-)
Macmillan Avatar
July 8, 2011 at 2:15 PM
This one has charm! Made me smile- with some recognition. For me, I think I was 13ish and I was in love with this silly skipping/jumping toy. I have no idea what its called. It had this anklet which had a strip of plastic and at the end of the plastic there was a lemon (I believe). It was a kind of hullahoop for your foot. You'd make it spin on one ankle and you'd have to hop over it with the other foot. I think I played with it for hours! Cheers and hope you place high in contest! Cyndi
Ball Avatar
July 8, 2011 at 1:43 PM
This is such a cute story. It relly made me laugh because it reminded me of a poem I wrote onc about my cousin and me and our first crush. I'll post it sometime soon. God Bless, JB
Sweetheart Avatar
July 8, 2011 at 10:55 AM
skipping right along with these memories Andrea.. such a lovely recollection of things so precious ..good luck in the contest my friend... adorable one..
K. Avatar
July 8, 2011 at 9:26 AM
oh my goodness, whatta guy O_o hmm could be he was smitten by the view of your backside, oh geez, lol... I could just imagine though how that was so much fun, bouncing on that ball ;) & thanks so much sweetie for your comments in my poem, happy to know you liked it, humbled really-- have to admit that I also like it, haha! I mean I could never seem to be successful with being too flowery and deep with my writing, so I am happy to know that the write was gettable :D thank you! hugs to you :D
K. Avatar
July 8, 2011 at 9:26 AM
hope you have a good viist with your doctor :D
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