By Catherine and Joseph Hedge
I’m fortunate to work on a project with artist- educator Francie Dillon. In the process, I’ve been researching websites for information on modern childhood play. In the technology, there is a great wealth of content, a world perspective, and rich visual and musical stimulation. I’m glad I get to watch my grandson learn in this new realm.
When we go outside, though, he reminds me of my dad. He’ll kneel on the sidewalk to draw chalk rainbows or watch ants build a hill. He finds elephants in the clouds and picks dandelions for his mommy. Maybe the ability to find happiness in the everyday sweetness of life is genetic. I hope so, for that gives him the promise of a life as fulfilling as his great-grandfather’s.
I hope you enjoy this glimpse of a childhood back in the late 1920’s and early 30’s. Dad kept this youthful glee all his life.
From the Shadows of Your Past
By Joseph Hedge
From the Shadows of Your Past
Have you ever swung a gate?
Walked a picket fence or a slippery log?
Thrown a stick into a creek
Just to please your dog?
From the Shadows of Your Past
Have you ever packed a picnic lunch
Hiked the hills alone with your pet?
Skipped a rock on a beaver pond?
Waded a creek till you’re soaking wet?
From the Shadows of Your Past
Have you ever hung on a street lamp?
Talked to your pals till bedtime?
Thrown pennies at a sidewalk crack?
Shot a taw in the direction you wish would come back?
From the Shadows of Your Past
Have you ever lain on the grass at night
And watched the Northern Lights?
Waited for the strong March winds
To fly your homemade kites?
In the Shadows of Your Past
These memories never fade
Fondly you cast
A backward glance
And remember the friends you made.
In the Light of Golden Days
What fun it is, My Love,
Remembering with you
How we chased the butterflies in flight
You know…I still do!
Pen In Hand 
This is delightful! I did not realize that your father wrote poetry…and good poetry! The lines are evocative of those childhood pleasures of delight in the natural world.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Toni. His world view was a beautiful one!
I can say “yes” to some variation of nearly all of these, and reading this poem brings those memories back. Thanks for sharing.
My only regret is that I’m not sure my kids have done all (or even most) of these things. Hopefully they have some other good memories, instead.
I can imagine you tromping around your lake and throwing sticks! What fun!
Wow… Cathy… you are a terrific writer!! I mean it.. when I read what you write from the heart.. I want MORE.. I do! You have such a fantastic way of putting words out there… I know you love writing fiction…. but I love reading what comes from your heart…. THAT is poetic!!
Thank you, Francie! I am enjoying trying my new mode!
Daddy gave me a typewritten copy of that poem that I’d taped on the inside front page of the Green Book years ago. He’d actually forgotten about it and was so pleased to see it there. He read it out loud and choked up half way through. I finished it through my tears, and we both laughed and cried at our foolishness. Thanks for sharing it with the world. Love, C
Oh…Lovely! Thank you for sharing this sweet moment! What a great guy. Love, Cathy
That is a sweet story… thanks for sharing it here 😉
What a great story to start the New Year. Thanks for keeping our family memories alive.. you are a really terrific writer!! Love ya Sis!!
Thank you! Here’s to good memories and cake batter!