When I grew up life was so hard
There were no swing sets in the yard
And baby sitters were unknown
Your parents left you home alone
There were no bathrooms in the house
You took the path to an outhouse.
We never minded that at all
Although at times I thought I’d fall
Into that abyss in the ground
Without a hope of being found
That’s how I learned to be so brave
Like all the candles I still save.
Yet life was real and full of hope
One didn’t in the darkness grope,
It made us strong and very wise
Our world was full of great surprise.
God gave us will to make a choice
To use our hands and heart and voice.
The stoves were big and black and bold
And kept us warm through winter cold
Each family had an icebox
No TV but a small voice-box
We cherished it, both girl and boy
Those days of old were full of joy !
Claire V. Bogdanos 