Bygone Times

By skinner_jennifer

Mon, 07 Sep 2020
  • 1774 reads
8 comments
 

In distant past when spring slept through winter's chill,

silent smoke emerged from chimneys spilling fumes into

atmosphere, like serpents determined to overwhelm sun,

moon and stars,

 

while crackle of hearth glowed and wireless stood proud,

families sat around cozily with comforting stories rich in dreams,

bringers of page turning adventures for both young and old,

 

sometimes despicable characters would leave you on edge alarmed,

while dazzling heros save the day with plenty of charisma armed.

Embers now dying...surrendering to sleep; wind creeping through

cracks where mice peep,

 

occupants chilled to the bone try to sleep, hot water bottles

in their beds to keep warm, as winter's cruelty muffles sound

when becoming snow bound, bitter winds rattled panes

down each nestled street,

 

before daylight approaches milkman on his rounds,

drifting through darkness, fulfilling door to door deliveries,

clocks ticking, houses stirring, clouds have cleared

leaving sun shining,

 

as mums crouch down at doorsteps in dressing gowns,

their silver tops pecked for tasty morsel of cream, but

birds were never seen. Those weavers of days when

each family became entwined in passing time,

 

steering their way into winking of spring, voyage

of discovery became easier...so it seemed, girls in

petticoats with tight pencil skirts, seams in their stockings

ready to flirt,

 

in pursuit of fun kisses rooted in smooches to sky rocket,

melodious tunes, quenching of those lyrical sounds left

gratification and longing, so begins again  that path of choice,

couples sailing off into sunset of life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Certificate PG
Poem
Poems
Miscellaneous

Comments

Submitted by Penny4athought on

Lovely meandering through better days- no cell phones, video game distractions - loved the crackling fire and stories being read to interested children- the milkman in the morning the winter's banketing snow and muffled sounds. All beautifully written and I loved the journey it took me on. Thank you for sharing Jenny.

Penny4athought

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Penny,

times were tough back then, but through all the hardships people pulled together. So glad you enjoyed this piece and thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by Kurt Rellians on

I did enjoy reading this poem, bringing back memories of the way things were and the passage of the seasons from winter to spring.

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Fond memories! That's exactly what I tried to put over in this poem. One of the special things I never mentioned was, being able to leave your door unlocked and people popping in and being neighbourly. Mind you I'm not sure I'd like it now, but it seemed to work back then.

Thank you so much for reading Trevor and your great comment.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Kurt,

thank you so much for letting me know you enjoyed this poem. It was a lot of fun looking back, but then I do enjoy nostagia, always find it inspires me. Glad you liked the bit about the seasons too.

Thank you again.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by Nolan on

The good old times Jenny! But Yesterday was not as great as they say tomorrow might be better and today isn't that bad after all.

Those days "while crackle of hearth glowed and wireless stood proud". Great memories let's not give away our age! The poem is brilliant in its ordinaryness similar to TS Eliot's Preludes.

See you && Nolan

 

Submitted by Nolan on

Yesterday is History

Tomorrow is a Mystery

Today is a Gift

That is Why

We call it the Present &

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Nolan,

I'm not afraid to give away my age at all.

The memories that I have are many and very special. 

For me nostalgia is something to treasure and gives so much pleasure to write about. 

I wouldn't say the present is as good as the past with this corona virus going around, where we're afraid to hug  those family members that don't live with us. 

I went to the dentist the other day for a check up and it was like trying to cross into another country, I had to have my temperature taken, then was asked a load of questions about my health, then I had to put my bag into a plastic bag and sanatize my hands, then stand on a line till I was called into the room, where I was asked even more questions about my health. I was then ushered out the back door. I know it had to be done, but I wouldn't say it's a pleasure going anywhere these days, when you have to wear those awful masks.

I used to love shopping and even walking around the town shops was a pleasure, but  not anymore, now I just go in for what I need and am glad to get out and take the mask off for some air.

For me the gift of life is being retired and having a loving home which I'm so grateful for. 

You come across as a lot younger and able to cope with life today, which I'm sure many young people will also agree with your words. But that's not me. I've had such a great life and wouldn't change a thing. 

After all my ramblings, this was just a poem of how life used to be and not anything based on myself. But thank you for taking the time out to read and share your thoughts.

Jenny.