Monochrome Days: (poetry for schools)

 

In the '50s and early '60s

gas was still the norm

in city streets and passageways;

at home to keep us warm

 

And during bleak mid-winters

when people used more coal

the air was thick and foggy

and illness took its toll

 

Us children knew no better;

life had always been like this

sore throats and runny noses

were impossible to miss

 

Only with reluctance

were we ever kept off school;

unlike the current 'softies'

wrapped in cotton wool

 

We didn't all have telly

so we spent our time outside

with skipping ropes and marbles

or taking turns to hide

 

No mobile phones or X-box

or computers, one apiece;

just look at people nowadays

unhealthy and obese

 

We built up our immunity

through scratches, cuts and bumps

and only saw the doctor

for chickenpox and mumps

 

But times have changed, and so must we

regrettable to say

the winds of change are moving fast;

no time for yesterday.