The Iceman Cometh!

Ambling thro' the museum today an object caught my eye,
Inviting me to pause and reminisce about a time gone by.
'Twas an old oaken icebox standing there on display.
That ancient relic served as the family refrigerator in its day.

I recollected that we had one like it when I was a tyke,
Growing up on the Hoosier farm on fabled Farmer's Pike.
It cooled the milk and cream and butter that Mom made,
To spread on fresh-baked bread with a tad of marmalade!

What a refreshing sight on a sweltering summer's day,
To see the iceman's truck slowly meandering our way,
Along Farmer's Pike, crystal-clear ice stacked on the truck,
And anticipating a sliver of ice to chomp on and suck!

Mom put a card in the window to show the amount of ice required.
The iceman took note of this and delivered the ice desired.
He'd carry a hundred-pound block of ice on his burly back,
As nonchalantly as if toting feathers in a gunny sack!

Iceboxes served their purpose and in museums they now repose.
Once in awhile you'll find them at flea-markets and antique shows.
Fancy refrigerators now cool the grub and make the ice.
The iceman's logo I yet recall, "Iceman's Ice Is Twice As Nice!"

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

Poem

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Guzzi Avatar
March 31, 2010 at 6:10 AM
Oh my so great to read to my fav's loved it such memories...please read my verse Idella..Light & love
Brown Avatar
March 31, 2010 at 5:30 AM
Good morning Robert, I enjoyed reading your witty poetry this morning. Please continue with your writing endeavors. Thank you for your kind comments. Hope it is warming up in Co. It is here in Ohio the sun did shine the whole day yesterday. Love, Carol
A   Avatar
March 30, 2010 at 7:19 PM
I like the poem . This is a kids birth right. To enjoy the icecream truck on his way. Enjoyed.
Taylor Avatar
March 30, 2010 at 6:30 PM
They're outdated now but they sure served their purpose in their day!
Ryerson Avatar
March 30, 2010 at 2:42 PM
Another fine and refreshing piece of storytelling, Robert...Love the title!...The 'Iceman' was before my time but I do remember the milk man, nickle soda pop machines and 10 cent hot dogs! - Tim
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