Charles M. Moore - When life was young.

When people had the time of day
and children used to run and play
When neighbours shared the sugar bowl
and everybody had a role
When getting old was not a sin
and helping out was keeping in
When what was mine was also yours
and we were rich at being poor
When everything was said and done
When we were small and life was young

The stars were so much brighter then
and each day ended with Amen
The Christmas trees were always tall
and we knew Santa Claus would call
The cupboard sometimes looked quite bare
and Mrs Jones had soup to spare
The toys were made of wood and tin
and made at home with nails and string
When everything was said and done
When we were small and life was young.

Charles M. Moore

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/when-life-was-young/