Seeds of Nostalgia

It's planting season...

Cocoa Pebbles

and Cap’n Crunch,

Monkees, M*A*S*H,

and Brady Bunch,

Rockem Sockem Robots,

Connect Four,

Colored-dot Twister

on the living room floor

Necco Wafers

and zingy Pop Rocks,

Saturday movies

with Doctor Shock,

Reading Laura Wilder’s

Little House Series,

Knowing Mom had an answer

for all of my queries;

 

I know it now, but didn’t then ~

These days would become my “Remember when”

And years from now, a different list

Will replace this one of good times missed

Because Life in all of its wondrous ways

Gives more than one era of “good old days”

Author's Note

Dr. Shock was a magician and entertainer who hosted a horror movie show in Philadelphia from 1969 to 1979. Saturday afternoon was not complete without him.

Reviews

[Michael G. Smith]

You took me back to an era I remember well. Three's company, bubble yum, holly hobby ovens, touché turtle and Dum dum.

[Rita L. Sev]

Wow - you added some great memories to the list! Dum Dums are still around... :) Thanks, M.G!

[Michael G. Smith]

Dum Dum I am referring to is the dumb dog companion to Touché Turtle one of my favorite cartoons of the seventies.

[Rita L. Sev]

Ah... yes! I had forgotten about him! :) I was thinking of those vile lollipops - one of our teachers has a 5 pound bag in her classroom... :)

[Michael G. Smith]

So, are you still teaching?

[Rita L. Sev]

Yes, I teach 7th and 8th grades. :)

[Michael G. Smith]

My wife teaches 6th grade math.

[Great Aunt Astri]

How true, life does give more than one era of 'good old days'.The first verse rolls off the tongue beautifully. The second verse gives a sober response. A very pleasing poem.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, GAA. I like to think that even today will be looked on with affection...

[Sami Khalil]

Like I said before , your poems are so down to earth and relatable to each and everyone of us and they carry a marvelous message of love and goodness in them. To cherich the past , the present , look forward to a better future that we can shape. Thank you for sharing these gems...:)

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Sami! I am touched and humbled by your words.

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome...:)

[Lydia Shutter]

I am touched by this one....because I remembered all the nostalgia so vividly. Necco wafers....that sandy consistency was ambrosia to "tweens". The Monkees....almost as popular as the Beatles! We all wanted to take that last train to Clarksville to taste Davy Jones' coffee flavored kisses! Of course, you are wise, Rita. The most touching, though, was the reference to your Mom having all the answers. Those WERE the days, my friend. If we are fortunate, we experience more than one era of "good old days," but I think the ones we experience from ages 10 - 18 stick with us throughout our lives. You can tell I loved this one! :) Lydi**

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Lydi. I was afraid that reference to Mom would get lost - I think that is really what made those days great for me.

[Lydia Shutter]

I can relate....believe me.

[Samuel Dickens]

Funny how a period of time can be the good ol' days for some and not others. The difference is nearly always age, I think. The young see the world through bright, innocent eyes. Back in the dark ages, I watched Captain Kangaroo with his host of characters-- Mr. Greenjeans, Dancing Bear, Grandfather Clock, and Tom Terrific. Oh, I forgot that horrible villain, Crabby Appleton. (He's rotten to the core)
Thank you for sharing your innocent days as you enjoyed Doctor Shock. Sounds like he wasn't as boring as the ol' Captain.

[Rita L. Sev]

I loved the Captain, too - wow, haven't thought of Mr. Greenjeans in a long time... I think if we are lucky, childhood is a time to look back on as good - though I know this is not always the case. Thank you for reading, and sharing the memories, Sam!

[OTownPete]

Captain Kangaroo and Bunny Rabbit are in the mist and sending love your way. Wow Necco Wafers!!!! Your friend in words, Pete

[Rita L. Sev]

I was a big fan of Captain Kangaroo! And Necco Wafers, though the thought of eating one now is not very appealing... :) Thanks, Pete!

[David Scott]

Yes Rita, the "good old days" are ever changing.
I like the memories we share...
Good stuff! ;)

[Rita L. Sev]

:) Thank you, David... those were good memories!

[rutherford]

Effective use of a list to generate nostalgia. Second half brings in the commentary of hindsight. Well balanced.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you very much, Rutherford

[Im His Daughter]

this is awesome... very well done..

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks. This was written for a writing challenge. Glad you enjoyed it!

[Angi]

Rita, I loved this poem! So many memories were brought to me. Saturday horror movies were a staple. (We had a different host, though) I still have a complete Little House set that I read from time to time. I wish these simpler times hadn't been lost to technology. Thank you for submitting to my contest. Congrats on your medal! Angi~

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Angi - I think we all had the same horror movies, with a different local host. I still have my first copy of Little House... a gift from a neighbor. For us, these times were lost to technology, but for this generation, they will say "Remember the iPhone? Those were the days..." ;)

[Angi]

This generation makes me sad. I guess that is the way, though. My mom said my gereration made her sad.