Dear Diary: Summer 1979

A bicycle ride in heady air
coaster brakes and screeching tires.
A variety store's tall shelves stocked
with household needs next to the liquor aisle.
Sugary treats cost pocket change,
the old man behind the counters glassy eyes
say, 'Is that all you're buying?'
Star Wars cards and giant gum wads,
lip-chilling popsicle sticks and hoodsie cups.

A superhot car with butt-burning vinyl seats,
clothes swaying on a line, stiff and wind-starched
Mom's cooking dinner on the stove, no microwave,
Dad's plate goes in the warm oven.
Phone rings incessantly, it could be anyone or no one,
just ignore it during dinner.
Laughing about everything, penny pinching
is an automatic.

Metal oscillating fans blow hot air everywhere,
no A/C, wouldn't dream of it,
water from the hose cools us off.
Superballs, tennis for one, that ball's gone.
Don't watch too much TV, it'll give you
square eyes, especially color TV.
For God's sake, get some fresh air!
Went to get more books at the library instead.
My terrible dog is my only true friend,
even the mailman hates her.
Feeling distracted at school, homework is a vice,
I just want to do what I want to do.
Daydreams that just might come true