Depression Genes

I think I inherited my miserly ways
from my parents who grew up
in the depression.
When they told me to go out
and play they didn't mean
with store bought toys.
We made up stuff,
climbed trees,
went down by the river
and cut paper dolls
out of old Sears catalogs.

My children have told pepole that
when they were little
they had to make
all their own toys.
We were the thrifty,
do it yourself family
and we made a lot of things.
and now even my grandson
tells me you can have more toys
if you make your own.

So a recession doesn't mean
too much to me.
Everyone is cutting back
but there is not that much
to cut back on
in our house.
There is the one car
but I work at home
and Dick walks to work.

There is no gym,
no maid,
no gardener,
no snow plow person,
no barber,
no hairstylist,
no boat,
no vacation house
and no vacations.
No designer clothes,
no new clothes.
If you are cold
wear a hat,
if you are depressed
take a walk.
and check back here.