Playtime On the Farm

Mercy!   How playtime has evolved since I was a Hoosier lad!
In the olden days you made-do with what little you had.
Our cell phone was a string stretched 'twixt two old soup cans.
That way we avoided strict federal communications bans!

Our swing was an old tire with a rope tied around a limb.
That, and a plank across a barrel for a seesaw was our gym!
My fishing rig was a safety pin hook with a willow twig for a pole,
Wherewith I spent languid summer days at my favorite fishing hole!

Many cold and snowy days were spent bundled in winter attire,
Racing down the steepest hills on my sleek Flexible Flyer!
Rainy days were spent huddled reading in a secluded nook,
Or crafting model airplanes that I happily undertook!

Though I savored a rowdy game of marbles, I was never very deft.
That saucy neighbor girl always beat us guys leaving us bereft!
In the pasture we made a diamond for our raucous games of ball,
Taking care, of course, to avoid bovine deposits, that above all!

On many a mellow, moonlit Hoosier summer's night,
We'd capture fireflies in mason jars on their wing'ed flight.
How did we manage sans all the gizmos kids now have at hand?
I suspect my grandkids would find my playtimes rather bland!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

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Kendrick Avatar
November 14, 2010 at 8:43 AM
Enjoyed a trip down memory lane..Reads as if you had a great childhood..I was delighted that you stopped by and read my work ..Sara
A   Avatar
November 14, 2010 at 1:17 AM
that is great Bob, i smiled at the thought of the communication with the two can. Are they real memories.. by the way i think i never got the right fire flies in the jar.. love and enjoyed your poem,..p.d.
Mehta Avatar
November 13, 2010 at 1:12 PM
Very happy memories of the young days you have penned so well creating a happy picture, Bob
Taylor Avatar
November 13, 2010 at 11:19 AM
Excellent, Sarge. We've come a long way since then. But we enjoyed those things. Great memories. Kids now-a-days don"t need imagination like we did! It's a shame in a way. Oh well. Have a great weekend. Ralphie
Devonshire Avatar
November 13, 2010 at 10:05 AM
We had to be a lot more inventive in our playtime before the age of video games, Bob. But you know what, I think we had more fun and certainly got more exercise. You brought back some great memories in this witty poem. (Keep avoiding bovine deposits! LOL) Love, Carolyn
Neels Avatar
November 13, 2010 at 9:59 AM
Bob, I reckon we had the best of time.. It didn't take much to keep us happy back then we grew up knowing what playing games was all about.. I still miss my cowboys and crooks days ;) hope your weekend is a playful one (",)
Culverhouse Avatar
November 13, 2010 at 9:57 AM
sounds like a bushel of fond memories...LOL some things I have tried myself.
Gorelick Avatar
November 13, 2010 at 9:39 AM
Oh my, my dear poet friend...you have taken me back..I rmember coloring for hours on old paper sacks..etc...etc..I had the best childhood..we had nothing..yet we had everything. BG
Falotico Avatar
November 13, 2010 at 9:35 AM
At that point in my life at age 45, watching my brothers kids and thinking back to where it was just fun to play in the leaves...or a board gam....enjoyed your work today or should I say play...lol....Michael
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