The Radio Days
For better times and better ways,
I started thinking of radio days.
I remember those good old times.
You got food, drink, maybe some wine.
Then the family gathered around the radio.
Just to hear your favorite shows.
There were comedies like Amos ‘n’ Andy.
Abbot & Costello were really dandy.
Westerns like The Lone Ranger.
Gunsmoke and other dangers.
Mysteries, like The Shadow Knows.
Ever wonder where The Shadow goes?
There was Dragnet and Gang Busters.
Buzz Cory and The Space Patrol.
Inner Sanctum and other shows.
There were many, many more.
We often sat around on the floor.
Yes, we enjoyed these family times.
Most of the shows were just fine.
Quite a different activity from today.
But then, we were different in every way.
Things back then were easy going.
The shows we heard left little showing.
Not the fast paced rush of today.
There was lots more time to play.
To each his own as to what they like.
But, I’ll take the old days. They were all right.
—————————————–R. W. Johnson—–(2015)
This poem beautifully captures the nostalgia and simplicity of the past, specifically the era of radio shows. The rhythm and rhyme enhance the warm memories of gathering with family, the excitement of listening to favorite programs, and the contrast with today’s fast-paced world. It’s a heartfelt tribute to a time when entertainment was a shared experience that brought families together, and life seemed more relaxed and easygoing. It’s a lovely reflection on the joys of simpler times.
I also remember sitting on the floor, staring at the radio with excitement and adventure as we listened to the story unfold. As a kid, I still remember the “Oxidol” washing powder commercials on the radio.
You didn’t mention “Big John and Sparky”, one of my favorites.
Joyce: Thank you for reminiscing with me in this poem. It is nice to know someone else remembers and enjoyed those days. Big John and Sparky was one of my favorite shows to. For some unknown reason I wasn’t able to work it into the poem. But it is not forgotten. Let’s hope others can remember it too. —-R. W. Johnson