The Way We Were

by Carole Smith

Of all of the presents for Christmas
And birthdays I’ll never forget
Growing up on our West Sided Isthmus
Is the one gift I’ll never regret

For then, dogs still played on the seashore
Eating popcorn from Kress was a treat
Having less, meant you learned how to do more
And at Spud’s you could still find a seat

The holiday lights on Gai’s palace
Could be seen clear from Avalon way
And you always would order from Alyce
Husky ham for your Easter buffet

Cardboard boxes were turned into castles
Vacant lots were the fields where we’d march
Our rations were warm crispy passels
Of Zesto’s fries, pre-golden arch

Like the Homestead’s proposed renovation
Though this gift was not destined to last
They can never take back the elation
I felt when that chicken was passed.