When arguments were set with fists,
or Chinese burns on both your wrists;
Pinch, punch and dead legs just for spite,
and pulling jerseys… Was a fight!
When pens had nibs and proper ink,
and dad shaved in the kitchen sink.
[..]
The phone lived in a big red box,
most kids caught several sorts of pox;
Or rickets; And the measles too,
and no-one dreamed of sniffin‟ glue!
When thick ears came in twos and threes,
for scrumpin‟, backchat, climbin‟ trees.
[..]
The trains we spotted ran on steam,
and vans came round with fresh ice cream;
Fish vendors came with wooden carts,
and shops sold blackjacks, canes and hearts;
When all gents‟ barbers walked with limps,
and dads cleared blocked up flues with „Imps‟.
When Health & Safety was your mum,
and sailors got a tot of rum;
The flicks had children‟s matinees,
for sixpence each on Saturdays;
With pea shooters and maché balls,
to pelt the kids down in the stalls.
It‟s better now, or so I‟m told,
perhaps it‟s „cause I‟m getting old;
I don‟t remember downtrod masses,
looking back through rose tint glasses;
I do remember having fun,
a childhood playing… In the sun
Photograph: Carlotta Eden