The Good Old Days - Journal Xvi

THE GOOD OLD DAYS – JOURNAL XVI Looking back from this point I’d have to make a division Between adults and children For adults the many tasks were more The thirties were the ultra-sparse of times – Men out seeking work, women with back breaking chores The washboard, carpet beater, scrubbing (on hands and knees) floors – For most no modern conveniences The kids – at least this kid – were relatively happy They might help out, certainly, But had not the worry, The responsibility Things wearing out was not a big factor Like, rubber resoles, needle and thread, sewing machine, The Model T with removable parts The everyday things pristine But people wore out Everything moved so much slower Those worn out moved slower – the worry, emotional fatigue - One’s age, life expectancy much lower In these last few, as I reluctantly rise each day, I want to remember the happy kid And thank the martyrs, the miserable For making him that way