Haven Drive

Suburban Chicago 1974-1976

I remember the Bicentennial

Vets coming home

7-11 had Slurpee rock cups

And mornings began with Kix and Cheerios

Bozo and Captain Kangaroo

Lunch was peanut butter and jelly pies

Or bologna and mayonnaise on Wonder Bread

(Get the trading card inside!)

Then a quick spin on my Big Wheel

Visiting other kids and neighbors

Or rescuing injured bumblebees

Catching ladybugs and tickle bugs

Then bringing them back in my saddle bag

With a bouquet of dandelions for Mom

Afternoons were for Spider-Man and Batman

Marvel Super-Heroes and The Electric Company

At night it was All Together Time on the couch

As I acted out the opening to

The Six Million Dollar Man

Animals were in the clouds

And behind them, glimpses of Heaven

A beanstalk could take you there

One day I’d grow up to be Peter Pan

Or play piano

But for now I’d lay on top of the couch

Like Snoopy on his doghouse

And teach myself to read with the comics

(7/13/19)