Those Were The Days

How could youths better learn to live than by at once trying the experiment of living? - Thoreau

buzzing spelling bees and missing milk money

corner store, cold coke in a bottle

new sneakers at recess running full throttle

rustled whisper of secrets

bubble gum snapping

wheet wheet whistle of corduroy

picket fenced teeth braced with straight, innocent alloy

embarrassing zits and learner's permits

"i don't want to go to school today" hissy fits

ouch of infatuated feelings aching

pitchforks of haymaking

eternal, first dance whirls

dashing, debonair little boys and long haired girls with precious waves and curls

hearts strung with glittering gold and inestimable pearls

Author's Note

"Late in the afternoon we passed a man on the shore fishing with a long birch pole.... The characteristics and pursuits of various ages and races of men are always existing in epitome in every neighborhood. The pleasures of my earliest youth have become the inheritance of other men. This man is still a fisher, and belongs to an era in which I myself have lived." - Thoreau

Reviews

[Ayesha Faiz]

This poem beautifully captures the charm and chaos of growing up. The details like buzzing spelling bees, bubble gum, and corduroy sounds make the memories come alive. It’s playful, emotional, and full of innocence. The ending lines, with hearts strung with gold and pearls, are especially lovely, showing how special those moments truly were. A warm and nostalgic piece!

[Pete]

yes, we don't realize it at the time but they truly are special times. thank you for sharing astute thoughts.

[Buddhistboy73]

Indeed..this flows well as a piece of writing.....those were indeed the days my WC friend....:)

milk money, don't want to go to school today....I can relate for sure.....nice change of font too...

BB73

[Pete]

oh to be young again! thanks bb.