Ilene Bauer Poet Rhyme

No Batteries Required

It’s hard to find a toy
That doesn’t run on double A’s,
A toy that lets imagination
Rule how someone plays.

I’m sick of toys that talk or sing
Or oink or quack or moo
And that’s the iceberg tip
Of what these modern toys can do.

A simple truck or doll or train
Lets children take control
As they navigate a made-up world - 
And isn’t that the goal?

For those bells and all those whistles
They would likely leave behind
If presented with a good old-fashioned toy,
So hard to find.

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Keith Bickerstaffe July 17, 2015 at 4:42 PM How true! It seems that kids these days always have to be plugged in, or to use devices that rely on electricity. How I yearn for my old fashioned clockwork engine. I had more fun with that than the electric train I got later. Super piece Irene! Best wishes, Keith

Jan Allison September 4, 2014 at 12:31 PM a very sad reflection on the age we live in today Ilene - we were a lot healthier then with these toys played outside instead of the constant computer games which keep them indoors and inactive nowadays.i remember having a big cardboard box and making a den out of it with the kids next door - great fun and we played board games too - monopoly could last for hours! hugs jan xx

Demetrios Trifiatis September 4, 2014 at 6:02 AM Amusing and didactic at the same time! What you say is true and the way you have presented it amazing!

Carolyn Devonshire September 4, 2014 at 3:33 AM Dear Irene, I can remember using a mirror to light walls across the street and making animals with my hands. Today's children don't realize what they are missing. Excellent poem, my friend. Love, Carolyn

Eileen Manassian September 4, 2014 at 12:30 AM Aren't you the smart one with this write??? ;) Smart cookie you! Yes, I agree. I told my 19 year old yesterday, "I loved my childhood. We actually got to play OUTSIDE." She and her two friends were ALL on their laptops and SHARING the latest on the web! ;)

Connie Marcum Wong September 3, 2014 at 10:23 PM I so agree with your sage poem ilene. I made my two year old granddaughter a crown out of light weight cardboard and tin foil and taped it together and she loves it. A great poem to ponder!

Arthur Vaso September 3, 2014 at 9:55 PM So true, I babysit my best friends child, and I get his gifts at the dollar store, they always win over the 100$ plus gifts!! great write!