When I was but nine years old
The war had ended but I was cold
Almost everyone was poor
We wanted much but there was no more
Lucky us found house to rent
A few miles away heaven sent
But move meant money had run out
Should have started at new school
My shoes had worn out - I'd look a fool
So stayed home until one day
Man knocked on door and said "Hey"
School inspector knew I should be there
Mum explained I had no shoes to wear
He nodded "I'll give you one more day"
Mum borrowed money for shoes to pay
From her sister who had no kids of her own
Who liked me so happy to make loan
Her house was close to the school
And waved each day to this little fool
Something very similar to the above did happen to me back in 1946!
Your memories of the war years are precious. Thanks, Robin.
ReplyDeleteAlways good to know there a helping hand around. Nice one Robin
ReplyDeleteMuch💜love
These memories of a somber time must be recorded for posterity!
ReplyDeleteYay for your aunt saving the day!
ReplyDeleteThat ending wave warmed my heart. Going without enough is rough. Finding a way to make it--until things get better--is the best feeling.
ReplyDeleteOne up on me, Robin. I did make it to school, my bib overalls had patches on the knees, my shirts Mom made from flour sacks, but I did have a new pair shoes once a year, at the beginning of school.
ReplyDeleteWe lived on a farm, Dad share cropped it.
How come no girls on the front tow?
..
In Britain during the WW2 and afterwards the first break from class allowed everyone to pick up a third of a pint of milk to drink (only available for schoolchildren). Girls and boys were separated in class slthough you could be a lucky one if you sat next to one. Sadly they never talked much in class and not at all in the playground which was segregated! Who know what we would have got up to!
DeleteIt was like that when I was at junior school, Robin.
DeleteSupport comes in many kinds! Both the aunty and the inspector saw to it that the boy got educated.
ReplyDeleteI’ve heard stories like this from my parents and grandparents, Robin, and used many of them in the children’s novel I wrote. Even when I was a child, everyone I knew was poor and hungry. There aren’t many around who remember life as it was back then, they only know the relative comfort that followed. Most children these days have several pairs of shoes for different occasions.
ReplyDeleteThese are the sort of details you don't get in history books.There must lots more you remember....WRITE !
ReplyDeleteI have indeed written a lot over the last decade about my own history .
DeleteWrite a book....memories of WW2 based on your work.
DeleteSupport from a generous, loving Aunt .... temporary maybe but never forgotten.
ReplyDeleteI agree with rallentanda... these memories all can learn from!
ReplyDeleteI see a poignant short story in this, Robin.
ReplyDelete