Vince Suzadail Jr. Poet Rhyme

They Were

We always found some magic in the little things in life
Never worrying about material things the way people do now
There was no extra income, barely making ends meet
But we always made it through the hard times somehow
Struggling was a way of life, not a reason to complain
Helping out your neighbor was just the way that things were done
Men worked in the mines, women worked in the home
Everyone was busy long after the setting sun
There were no governmental dependents waiting for a check
No entitlement minded robots like we have today
We were responsible for our own support
The world owed us nothing, we all paid our own way
They were better days just struggling to survive
We had a sense of purpose, thanking God we were alive
Sometimes I cry for yesterday when life was so very hard
Our lives may have been embattled but our wills were never scarred
We had little materialistically, without a spoon to stir
If you ask if they were harsher days, I’ll tell you yes, they were
We had love and understanding no matter what would occur
If you ask me if they were better days, I’ll tell you yes, they were.

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Izzy Gumbo February 8, 2009 at 5:27 PM Brilliant. Really meaningful and a time to remember simple again. Bravo!

Alana Tye January 15, 2009 at 8:48 AM I took a lot for granted in life, as I never realized that the world would change so much. When I look back, I find that the good days are long gone. Quite saddening. I was born in the 70's and when I hear my parents talking about times before that, and even my grandparents, I think about how lucky they were. Of course they fell on hard times. But the world was a happier place. Thanks for sharing another great write :) Cheers, Alana

Kristin Reynolds January 7, 2009 at 4:49 AM I know just what you mean. It makes me sick to look at what this world (life/people/government) has become, how i long for that time. excllent Vince, love, Kristin

Barbara Gorelick January 6, 2009 at 2:49 PM This brought back such memories of my childhood. Outhouse, no electricity, wood stove, and so much love and fun. this is a wonderful piece. I'd love to go back for a day..especially after reading this fine versee.BG

Sharon Winter January 6, 2009 at 1:15 PM Well written, gave me chills at the end. Sad too that we never really fully appreciate what we have until it is gone. Did you ever think you would be looking back wishing for those times again while you were living them? Not me, not really. Now, it seems like a dreamy heaven that happened forever ago. I guess it was. Well done Vince. Love, Shar

Laura Mckenzie January 6, 2009 at 12:46 PM Vince yes I believe they were better days weren't they? Now children tell parents what to do and sex is all over the TV and mixed media for sale. God has taken a back seat. Sometimes a struggle is better you have a feeling of pride in what you've accomplshed. Truthful write again my friend and so well done! Love Laura :)

Lucinda Bulger January 6, 2009 at 12:37 PM wow, this usage of simple language written almost is written as you would more than likely would speak this so very well. It was a verynice read for me today, I enjoyed it very much. It has so much truths about the way society has changed and it just makes me wonder about our future???? What will it take to bring our country together again?!

Carrie Richards January 6, 2009 at 10:30 AM Yes....they were better days. The work ethic, saving for a rainy day, what was accomplished and acquired, held a sense of pride. So unlike the throw away, wanting more, wasteful days of today. Such a different attitude today...makes me sad to think how our grandparents,...even our parents..would look at the world today and wonder "How could this have happened?". Well said, Vince..couldn't agree more. ~ Carrie

Laurie Ginn January 6, 2009 at 6:39 AM My mom used to talk about "idle hands". When you work all day and all night there is not much time to get into the situations we get ourselves into today. I also agree about the materialism in society today, where will it stop? Very good job Vince. Laurie