What Child Is This

Dutiful little kid you always did your chores as you were told
not fully understanding why cigarettes on Mom had such a hold
Dad coming home from his different shifts at times very stressed
disappearing into your room you always thought would probably be best,

Kind of shy and analytical but a daydreamer at heart
while in school looking out the window you wish you could dart
outside where you'd feel free to learn more from nature
inside you felt stifled sitting at a desk for what seemed like ages,

You had friends at school who like you were not very popular
just down to earth average kids whose parents were struggling blue collar
free spirits who couldn't wait for the school bell to ring
walking each other home we'd meet later at the playground swing,

Having nagging questions that you wanted so much to ask
but children were to be seen and not heard so you simply wore a happy mask
taught not to question authority and not be forthright or bold
you acted as was expected of you so as not to break the mold,

With your inquiring mind you wondered about the Vietnam War
who started it, and fighting over what your mind implored
watching tragic events unfold on the old black and white television set
replaying in your mind along with fond memories you won't soon forget.



10-14-17

Copyright © | Year Posted 2017



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Date: 10/22/2017 9:02:00 PM
Hi Cheryl, great write; I think you and I must have grown up in the same era. “Children should be seen and not heard” I believe I heard that once or twice... John8np
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Cheryl Hoffman
Date: 10/22/2017 9:18:00 PM
My parents probably inherited that quote from their parents and so on down the line till I had my own kids that is...they were good parents just old school...thanks so much for very kind comment and visit John!~Che :)
Date: 10/21/2017 8:03:00 AM
I was there the whole time...Wonderful write!
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Cheryl Hoffman
Date: 10/21/2017 9:33:00 AM
Thanks so much for very kind comment and visit Mike; (aka fellow baby boomer!;)~Che :)
Date: 10/18/2017 5:20:00 PM
Hi Cheryl, It seems like you had the kind of childhood most have had, many ups and downs. But you know what I learned? We learn from the good and the bad. Great job- Alexis
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Cheryl Hoffman
Date: 10/18/2017 7:04:00 PM
Thanks so much for very kind comment and visit Alexis; you are right about the many ups and downs; sort of like a roller coaster ride!~Che :)
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