The Five and Ten

When I was growing up in Brooklyn,
Which was way back when,
We’d always get just what we needed
In the Five and Ten:

Cosmetics, stockings, pots and pans,
Greeting cards and games;
Curtains, tablecloths and vases,
Clothes and picture frames.

Sundries (who knew what they were?),
45’s and candy;
Mops and brooms and other things
A housewife would have handy.

It was fun to browse the aisles
With friends right after school,
And sometimes have a malted
Sitting on a fountain stool.

The Five and Tens have shut their doors;
New stores cannot compare.
I sometimes need an item
That I can’t find anywhere.

Of course, there is the internet
To help me in my search,
But in the Five and Dime, I’d never
Be left in the lurch.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Johnson Avatar
April 9, 2013 at 3:53 PM
Woolworths was a treasure, we didn't know what we had. Now there gone before ours eyes. It really is quite sad. I guess we have to be grateful for what we had. Too bad.
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
March 19, 2012 at 4:56 PM
The 5 and 10, JJ Newberry's and so much more when we knew the people working there and you were a name, not a number. I grew up in a mining town in Pa. I wouldn't trade that for a Castle.
Dufresne Avatar
December 11, 2011 at 5:25 PM
Hey ya I remember those! Cool memories, Ilene
Lane Avatar
December 10, 2011 at 9:21 AM
I grew up in Toledo, Ohio but we share this memory. We have a great old time 5 and dime not too far from us and we go there sometimes just to buy fun things.
Jones Avatar
December 9, 2011 at 4:51 PM
Real nice nostalgia, you brought it back for me, much preeshed, write on, ilene!~N
Merryman Avatar
December 9, 2011 at 4:35 PM
Such fond memories. I remember stores like that. Enjoyed your poem, Ilene. Kim
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