YOUNGER OLD DAYS PAST
Grandchildren ask of the younger days,
When thick fenders could resist a dent.
Just a mile to town from country ways,
Farmers sold their produce fresh, then went.
Sweet candy so real for just one cent,
The Nation for peace would pray and fast.
Yes, raking some leaves helped pay the rent.
How sweet were those younger old days past.
Movies, radio and Broadway plays,
Immigrants spoke in native accent.
Parents would gasp at the latest craze.
Rote was learning and time well spent.
Penny postcards for a message sent.
Coal-burning stoves would stave a cold blast.
Tent preachers shouted, "Come and repent."
How sweet were those younger old days past.
Yes, holiday window displays
Where gal would walk and dream with her gent.
Then, "Movietone News" showed flood and blaze,
No matter how bad the accident.
Reverse camera tricks wreckage unbent.
Polio fell to the dimes we cast.
Europe was saved by the blood we lent.
How sweet were those younger old days past.
Our children, one day, no less reverent,
Will give reply to old questions asked;
With thinning gray hair and time near spent:
"How sweet were those younger old days past."