Pastures Of Green,Only A Dream

Pastures of green
evaded me
throughout my childhood years

Summer days of youth
were not spent in game
the only time the air was fresh
after a pouring rain

There were chores to be done
no time for fun
but on rare occasions
there were times to be had
when permitted by dad

To go to the park
of concrete and steel
I cannot describe
how that walk made me feel

The sun beating down on black top roads
concrete under my feet
these were the times
I'd let my mind wander
and daydream of green and sweet

The air would reek of stale beer from the bars
along with exhaust from cars
and let us not forget
the cans filled with garbage
lining the apartment  house walls

Dog refuse and urine
mixed with the smells of human
and the wolf whistles from
the men playing dominoes

But it was summer
and school was out
so you make the best
of what you had
and not what you did without

stick ball and handball
hop scotch and skates
oh and  do not forget
the soap box scooters
that were handmade to race

Clothespin dolls and marbles
dreams of natures marvels
n'er a song bird to be heard
nor the fragrance of crisp clean air

Still I spent my summer days
as if I had not a care