Since the end of World War II Baby Boomers have witnessed many events on the world state that have altered the course of history. Wars, assassinations, attempted assassinations, economic upheavals, the race to the moon, the Cold War, presidential elections, political intrigue, global warming, and the civil rights movement to name a few. Citizens over the past sixty years have embarked upon an odyssey of exposure to events that have left their emotional effect on families and individuals for years to come. The role of the parent has been questioned and modified from one guidance and respect to one in the present era where reliance upon advanced technology is places to provide a minimum sense of obedience. Every issue of daily living is subjected to debate, evaluation, constant inquiry, and a growing departure from compliance in the spirit of conformity. Influence has assumed new boundaries in the realm of economics, social networking, environmental awareness, criminal activity, and athletic opportunity. Years of childhood development are forfeited in pursuit of success and status in the complexity of the adult world. Innocence is a virtue available for those select few isolated completely from the sensationalism of the media in their constant efforts to report the latest trends of progress. Materialism and poverty make room for acceptance and disillusionment. Escapism is an alternative to reality; not a perfect solution rather a temporary compromise. Search for idols we sadly tend to look in the wrong places.

Testimony on Our Times

By Stanley R. From

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2009 Stanley R. From
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4490-2125-2

Chapter One

War Paint Aboard The Flushing Line The first game of my schedule for the present season My social partner begged off for a legitimate reason Aboard the subway after a few stops to my surprise A young fella was part of a boarding party with war paint Around his eyes

A Yankee Cap planted firmly on top of his head Constantly pushing a large balloon to the floor colored red The paint across his face indicated more of the same The smile on his mother's face demonstrated she was not To blame.

Perhaps a daytime party among other baseball fans The body paint perhaps part of everyone's plans As an innocent witness my trip to the ball park came alive Through the happiness of a young fan at the tender age of five.

A Punishable Good Deed

Eight pairs of used eye glasses a donation to be The location of the drop off area a complete mystery to me Asking a stranger he pointed me in the wrong direction In the humid weather not worthy of my trust and affection.

Another stranger told me the truth adding to my woes The most difficult option the one I finally chose Block after block I traveled in the humid heat Physical exercise for a senior citizen a most rewarding treat.

The return trip not as taxing as before Seeing the drop off box at the end the result of my revolving door As my lungs cried out for air satisfaction was the result of my Physical game Putting an end to the rumors of my continuing obesity an obvious Physical shame.

Going The Distance

As advertised in the paper the walk a thon promised fun for all Patrons showed up on time old and young, big and small Bread and water were offered along with orange slices too A nice cash donation gave patrons a fancy T shirt in color dark blue.

A DJ kept the pulse of the morning quite alive Martial arts members demonstrated that without defensive skills People are deprived Soon the ribbon cutting ceremony had the walkers on their way Unfortunately soon after the start the majority began to stray.

A few brave ones completed one cycle in the heat I guess the rest of the crowd retreated to the cold water stand as we Speak Two gentlemen donated three cycles a testimony to their determination Able to overcome all the odds certainly not of their creation.

Along A Rocky Road Well Traveled

The family unit never strong during my infancy Trouble followed the Patriarch and the Matriarch so notably Health issues along with violence and poverty thrown in too An outsider saved my life as the resilent glue.

The library, school, and sports filled in the hours of my youth The family support system so weak I didn't want to know the truth Men in uniform and squad cars always came around Along this path to a life of emptiness I would be bound.

The challenges I faced played up in the local news Ready to handle them since I already paid my dues Periodic visits to the grave sites of the local cemetery Part of the life that used to be forever committed to memory.

Intelligence Makes A Comeback

When I first started too eager to please Completely lost in a forest surrounded by trees Involving myself in a contest to be her number one After three social activities for me it was over and done.

My life and my heart became an open book Allowing her to dominate me amid all the abuse I took No girl coach available to guide me through tough times Independently committing myself to failure a blue print by design.

Now the challenge for success is seldom ever there My mental outlook is stronger as if I didn't even care A member of the walking wounded no longer do I claim Building bridges through aloftness a new strategy of my game. An All Conquering Smile

The prospect of chicken and rice once again brought me home To a noon time hangout in a working zone Previously the waitress in anger was willing to say goodbye $9.00 for this aggrevation I could not deny.

The hostile temperature however was gone this time as I entered The place A smile of acceptance was offered towards me with saving grace Along with the meal I consumed a second bottle The relaxed environment was pursued by everyone going full throttle.

A token of my appreciation was offered for the first time The recipient could not believe I would be so kind I left the facility in a state of triumph walking on air A smile of sincerity convinced me it was the right moment to be there.

The Party Crashers

Plates of food at a party setting for two Salt and pepper not among the invitees finding more important things to do Mustard and ketchup as invitees accepting center stage The recipient of their attention having difficulty accepting them on his nutritional page.

His plate filled with cole slaw and potato salad for M & K a non Traditional affair With other meat oriented party platters unable to compare Suddenly two eggs made their presence known sitting upon the plate Looking affectionally at the dynamic twosome after an extended wait.

"Pour yourself over us to add flavor to the local domain" A tasteless meal in the annals of remembrance offers nothing but pain An absent thought of consumption suddenly entered the room A clean plate brought satisfaction to the owner under the light of the evening moon.

A Solitary Voice Sitting In Section One

The origin of the problem began late in 2006 The local team in the fall classic not part of the mix A late season collapse the following year left the team again on the outside Resentment on their collective failure seriously affected overall team pride.

The current campaign again left the leadership on the hot seat After one brave soul proclaimed his diamond nine as the ones to beat Injuries coupled with indifference left the locals looking up A lack of consistency afforded them few visits to their personal victory cup.

Rumors created the opportunity for a seasonal schedule of days to reduce itself to a precious few Words of appreciation never gave the leader in victory or defeat his just due A coalition united behind the words of a solitary voice The die was cast as the local club made its fateful choice.

The Last Dance

Cheek to cheek you followed the musical vibrations through the late hours of the night Dressed up in your evening finery a most attractive sight Higher education in your future a topic with your friends to discuss Despite miles of separation staying in touch was a definite plus.

Watching other couples the theme of romance was present in the air The beauty of love was telling your significant other how much you care Ideas planted in youthful minds needed additional time to grow The fertile fields of opportunity always required experienced people in the know.

In the parking lot you repeated your temporary goodbyes In different directions the graduating class would commence to fly A few miles away your premature removal from the local scene Reality has a habit of ending many unfulfilled dreams.

2000 Miles And Then Some

The longest journey with a rental car Without air conditioning I would not get far...