Poems to Remember the 1970s

This was the first poem I wrote about my soon to be husband.  Never totally grew up, just a little.

Bubble Gum and Bali Hai

By Gidge Circa 1970

You took my hand and lead into another world
Then poured a glass of Bali Hai and I became your girl
I chugged the taste of soda pop wine and peppermint dreams we shared
But deep inside addiction was something that I feared

We rode the roller coaster, and caught a falling star
Ate cotton candy on a stick
And dared to go too far
One day we cut our fingers, blood kin until we die
Then you took away my bubble gum and gave me Bali Hai

The carousel goes round and round, I wish that it would stop
for just a moment now and then I crave a lemon drop
My bubble gum's tucked away, the dinner wine's too dry
Get out the paper party cups and pour another glass of Bali Hai

-------------------------------------

Married Woman in the Workplace

By Gidge (This was written mid 70's. Times have changed just a bit)

Who says a married woman shouldn't look, I think that's only bullThe lady who denies it must live a life that's dull

Now I'm not one to advocate infidelity, it's just that I appreciate a moment's fantasy

I saw a married man today and watched as he checked out, all the cute young ladies rambling about

I stopped for just a moment and smiled while on a break, suddenly word got around, "that woman's on the make"

I'm a married lady, no, I'm not discontent, it's just that I can't comprehend why everyone gets bent

Men are fun to look at, for a moment, maybe two. Yes, I'm a married lady but I'm a woman too.

-----------------

Sunflower House

By Gidge (Written in 2010 about a house I remember in IB during the late 60s early 70s)

Today, the sheriff watches over IB

And keeps the town from crime

But as I look back to ‘68

I remember another time

I remember the sand and grunions

At night, and sweet Mary Jane in the air

And a two room shack with a huge sunflower

Was then overlooking the pier

At one time the house was wide open

You could walk in and out

And later, maybe in ’72 I saw children

Wandering about

I remember the day when I went to IB

The music still played, the sunset still

Glowed…hippies, surfers and sailors

Still lurked the town until dawn

I knew times and tide would leave memories

When the sunflower house was gone.

---------

In 1971, I got married and moved into my first home.  This neighborhood was like no other. Close friends for many years. I have lived there for 40 years. My husband (of 38 years) passed away two years ago. The neighborhood isn't the same. 

Thelborn Way

By Gidge (Written 2011)

I met you at 23, finally grown

With a home of my very own

Knowing I wouldn’t leave in

4 years

Waving to Pat across the street

She started the day out with

A happy hello, Parties every New Years Eve

Ellen was only 18, away from

Home,  her son was our first

Sayo was the Mama Hen

Loved kids and animals, her husband, George

And son,Ed, visits in my garagte

Don made life interesting

Always their to fix a sink

Or chase away an unwanted car

Our hearts break when Char

At 19, got MS

Dave and Marie brought me

The girls I never had

Glenn and Linda, our BFFs

Sharing the heartaches of life over coffee and tools

Carol and Mike, Lupe amd Frank, we shared holidays

And waves

Ding, Dong, Avon calling, her name was Miss Flo

Today’s a little lonlier, they’ve died or moved away

Or some can’t get out too long

As Grandkids came along

Tears fall as I sit in the garage

Empty now and remember

The days when friends filled

The drive way and Avon

Wasn’t online