Innocence Lost

Innocence Lost

Many years ago when innocence was unspoiled,

Way before the world began pulling to uncoil.

Solitude and poverty lived between windows and walls,

But little did they know that’s what it was called.

The fat-back bacon laid before the youngins,

Didn’t come with attitudes, fussin’ or cussin’.

Eaten with pork-in-beans and sop bread a plenty,

With common knowledge that no one had a penny.

The grown folks mustered all that they had,

To make clothes for the youngins, happy or sad.

No one breathed a word about mom’s hand-made clothes,

But was grateful for what they had, the life that they chose.

Dad’s miner’s bucket covered with coal dust and grease,

Was set by the back door after returning home in peace.

Mining coal, black diamonds is what it used to be called,

Watching dust boom from steam trains coal being hauled.

It was a time when people had each other’s backs,

Not like today when most folks are on the attack.

Yes, it was a lesser-known part of the world,

One my heart and my soul still sees as the smoke swirls.

Many years now it has been that picture I now see,

Where people of all cultures smiled and danced with glee.

It was a time of complete innocence that has been lost,

Leaving behind many wishing to regain it no matter the cost.