Do you remember, when they used to build
Houses with a verandah around three sides?
With a squatter’s chair,
And a rocking horse, that no one ever rides.
There were passionfruit and grape vines,
Growing along one side.
The house was built high,
With plenty of room underneath, to keep cool,
A place to store firewood
Which had to be chopped after school!
The verandah, was a place to gather in summertime,
A place for conversation and playing games.
Its where we did our homework,
And stored our toys, yours and mine.
The kitchen had a wood stove,
Which kept the home warm in wintertime.
While outside, the wisteria grew freely on the vine.
The old houses had a certain feeling,
A special place,
With big rooms, and a high ceiling.
Many houses were not painted inside,
And you could smell the raw pine boards.
It was a place we called home with pride!
Do you remember, when they weren’t brick and tile?
It’s been a while now, as we think back with a smile!
— Dennis Freeman 2023©
