REMEMBER?

by LaRue Watts

Popcorn balls at Halloween when candy wasn't wrapped.
Cooking in the oven when dinner wasn't zapped.
"Chivarees" for newly weds.
Castor oil, the worst of meds.
Is it me or do we both remember?

Telephones you had to crank to get your "party" line.
Grape juice at communion and they told you it was wine.
Radio on Sunday night
Windy days to fly a kite.
Is it me or do we both remember?

Double feature picture shows with news and a cartoon.
Serials like "Radar Men" arriving from the moon.
Garden picking when they're ripe.
Out at midnight, hunting Snipe.
Wash "rags," not a Handi-wipe.

Remember?

Catching fireflies, punching holes into lids of jars.
Chocolate candy cigarettes and bubble gum cigars.
That first crush that got you kissed.
Oh, the days that now are missed.
April reminiscences lie sweetly in December.
Is it me or do we both remember?

BUT WHY?

by LaRue Watts

If anyone passes chocolates around,
I automatically put on a pound.
But why?

Whenever I'm dying for that special plate,
They've sold the last order and I am too late.
But why?

If I get too cold, I'll soon be too warm.
The picnic is planned and here comes the storm.
But why?

I have a few hairs growing out of my ears
And laughing too hard can bring me to tears.
But why?

I guess it's a fact and not just a rumor
That God in his wisdom has some sense of humor.
But why?

BALANCES

by LaRue Watts

For every King Kong
There's been a Fay Wray.
For ever sad song,
A glad roundelay.
I wonder if someone has planned it that way.
Balances.

For every tight shoe
There's barefoot delight.
For every J. Crew,
A Wal-Mart's in sight.
I wonder if someone has planned day and night.
Balances.

When nightmares abound, can't sweet dreams be due?
If sorrow's around, then happy is too.
Whatever is old can still become new.
Balances.

Each game when you've won it,
Had losses before.
And every old bonnet,
Knows Easter's in store.
We must realize that less can be more.
Balances.

Each fork has a spoon. Each heartbreak, some fun.
So ask for the moon for your place in the sun.
It all will work out within the long run.
Balances.

A BROTHERS LEGACY

by LaRue Watts

I was but a child of five,
When tragedy struck home.
"Your son, I fear may not survive,"
They told Dad on the phone.
My teenage brother was run down
As he had crossed the street.
It happened in another town
Where he had gone to meet
Some friends and see a "picture show,"
The name of which I do not know.

So I was taken from my bed
And still asleep, I'm told,
As parents left me, facing dread
For what their night would hold.

I wakened in Aunt Grace's arms
Where Mom and Dad had placed me.
She calmed my childish fear-alarms
And all the doubts that chased me.
What do you tell a frightened tot
To ease their troubled mind?
My Aunt, without a second thought
Had found a way, so kind.
"Don't whimper. I've the perfect fix.
Just try to think of baby chicks".

And to this day in search of sleep
I count my chicks instead of sheep.

My parents now are with their son
All things must end I fear.
But I recall the night I won
Sweet sleep from brother dear.