When we were poor

 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!

Shoes don't wear out now

Shoes don't wear out now
Like they used to do
My Dad used to repair ours
When we scuffed a hole or two

For we travelled far
On paved street and field
Kicking any balls and stones
And over rough ground untilled

Had to clean them too
Scrub filth and mud gone
Before the polish applied
Then brush, brush, brush, 'til they shone

Those childhood days gone
I'm thankful that's sure
I had shoes with holes that leaked
Wet feet, wet socks and much more

Cherish bygone days
So much they taught me
So many shoes to choose now
And not one hole can I see

Image found at http://raisingchildren.net.au