Youthful Vogue

Used to be we'd pay to see freaks on the carnival way.
Now, for free at the mall we can see some most every day!
Kids (and adults) with tattoos, purple hair, nose and eyebrow rings,
Navel rings, tongue studs and other self-mutilating things!

Now, of course, we didn't do such things six decades ago!
Our parents would have disowned us - besides we had no dough!
Sure, guys wore zoot suits with baggy pants and chain.
I just can't comprehend today's modes, they seem so arcane!

Gals wore battered saddle shoes and one of Dad's old shirts,
With tails flapping in the breeze over their poodle skirts!
They wore bras (or so I'm told), hair coiffured with bangs,
They didn't bare their navels and hang out with rowdy gangs!

It's hard to discern who is who when viewing them from the aft.
Two long-haired kids, holding hands, and acting rather daft!
Is it the "he" on the right or is "he" the one on the left?
It's none of my concern, tho' it does leave my curiosity bereft!

I suppose it's all the rage to let the kids do their thing,
While they're young and carefree, let them have their fling.
I'll roll my eyes and shake my head, looking on aghast,
Wondering what's next after these current fads have passed!

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

Poem

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Brown Avatar
March 26, 2010 at 10:44 AM
A very interesting and enjoyable read Robert. Thank you for sharing. Love, Carol
A  Avatar
March 25, 2010 at 2:36 PM
TRUE... THINGS CHANGE.. IT'S ALL THIS MUSIC AND MOVIES... WE THINK IT'S BAD NOW, IMMAGINE HOW WORSE IT'S GOING TO GET AS TIME PROGRESSES.. MY DAUGHTER RECENTLY ASKED IF SHE CAN GET PIERCINGS... I DON'T WANT HER TO BUT YOU KNOW HOW TEENAGERS ARE.. GOOD WRITE AND ENJOYED... S.K.A.T.
Taylor Avatar
March 25, 2010 at 2:35 PM
Agree 100%. Can't imagine what they're thinking if they are.
Devonshire Avatar
March 25, 2010 at 12:50 PM
After "these current fads have passed," we'll probably have a return to the looks of the '40s and '50s that you described. Fashion runs in circles. But for the life of me, I can't understnd why anyone would want to dye their hair purple. Guess they're seeking to stand out in a world of whacky styles. Enjoyed your poem, Bob! Nice commentary on fashion. Perhaps you should fill Mr. Blackwell's role as a fashion critic LOL. Love, Carolyn
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