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Summer 1937

It was a hot summer It was a lonely summer. In many ways it was Really a sad summer. Mother with a new baby, Dad without a job, First summer in Connecticut, Far away from family, Far away from friends, Far away from the familiar. Nine years old and in a Strange new town with No friends, no context. Our big old gray-shingled Three-story rental was Beside an alley behind Stores on the main street, High hedge of lilacs between. Firehouse on the other side, Bar across the street. I learned the main street. The little kosher market with the Wonderful generous owner Who gave my mother credit When there was no money. The candy store where I watched candy being made. The flower shop, the bakery, And, best of all, just beyond, The Brock-Hall Dairy. Even though we were in town, Behind the retail dairy store Was the dairy farm itself, The tall barns with the cows, The sweet-smelling hay, The smell of country. I could spend hours there Petting the big, gentle cows Watching the milking. Other times I’d walk down Putnam Street from Whitney Avenue, From our house past blocks Of houses, then the fenced and Wooded water department land. A half mile or more and I would come to the farms with Summer farm stands where We bought strawberries And fresh vegetables. I wasn’t always lonely Just because I was alone. I was more lonely when I Was left out of things at school Because I was shy and different.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2021




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Date: 8/2/2021 1:47:00 PM
Really enjoyed your story, Barbara. It is autobiographical, and you have described that part of your life so beautifully - it touched me very much. In a way, I relate to you - I was shy and very quiet - I was a bookworm. You brought back my childhood memories with your very touching poem. Love and hugs ~ Mala
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Barbara Peckham
Date: 8/4/2021 11:46:00 AM
I am so glad the poem resonated with you. I am sure it is similar to experiences of many other, perhaps with slightly different circumstances. Thank you for reading my work and taking the time to comment.
Date: 7/31/2021 7:21:00 PM
Yes Barbara! what a delightful story!
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Barbara Peckham
Date: 7/31/2021 7:37:00 PM
Thank you for the nice comment. It is sort of autobiographical, as I am sure you can tell. That was a difficult year in my life, and the next year we moved twice. Not fun for me, being somewhat awkward and shy then.
Date: 7/31/2021 6:38:00 PM
A wonderful look at a summer in your childhood brought back many memories of my own childhood. Enjoyable reading, Barbara.
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Barbara Peckham
Date: 7/31/2021 6:39:00 PM
Thank you again, my friend.

Book: Reflection on the Important Things