Simple Things

I was musin' yesterday about things I cherished as a boy. Simple things, yet in my parochial world, things that brought me joy. Anything from apples to Zweiback and so much more, Could then be found down the road at the local country store. For a quarter I could buy a straw hat to stifle summer rays. Seems all you can find to wear are baseball caps nowadays. Ah, to savor the taste of that old-timey original bottle of Coke, Though the tingle in your nose almost made you choke! Were there soaps other than Lifebuoy? I never knew of another. 'Twas used quite often to cleanse my mouth of filth by my Mother! When it was a nickel pack of gum you had a hankerin' for, Black Jack, Beemans or Clove was available at the local store. When I could cadge a nickel from my hard-workin' Dad, A Clark, Bit-O-Honey or Powerhouse candy bar could be had. How I savored Walnetto caramels so delectable and chewy, And choc'lit covered creams, delicious but oh so very gooey! I quivered with excitement openin' a box of Cracker Jacks, Anxiously lookin' for the simple prize, never mindin' the snacks! Alas, such simple delights that I enjoyed as a lad are now lore. I reckon tastes have changed - such things don't abound much anymore! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)