A look back at the 'good old days'. |
Memories The good old days! Who called them that? They must have been insane. Their memories aren't the same as mine. No - mine hold much more pain. No money for the luxuries, we had 'make do and mend'. No shilling for the gas meter and never 'owt to spend. The oldest of three sisters, my that really was a chore! Getting ready in the morning was more like going to war. The first one up in our house was always dressed the best. She had first choice of everything and Heaven help the rest! Mum worked her fingers to the bone and tried to make ends meet. Dad changed his job as many times as we had meals to eat. When Christmas came mum did her best to fill our hearts with cheer. But any money that she saved, dad took and spent on beer. I'd listen to them arguing as I lay in my bed and wish I could be miles away, not hearing what was said. As I grew up I came to hate a knock at our front door The tally man collecting dues. He's wanting more and more. 'Tell him we're out' my mum would say. He knew that I was lying. He'd look at me with mindful eyes. It made me feel like crying. My first soiree - oh my, the shame! I blush as I recall the vivid yellow home-made dress I hid beneath a shawl. How sad - the way it made me feel but how could I tell mam? Done up in rehashed hand-me-downs. Like mutton dressed as lamb. She did her best through trying times, and yes, it wore her out. She left us well before she should. We missed her, never doubt. Yet in spite of all that happened we made it through life's maze. But don't let anybody tell you that those were the good old days! (They weren't really that bad!) |