As I gaze back upon my life br as I recall when I was young br remember things I said and done br when I was less afraid br with all the times that I lived through br and all the people I once knew br I realise the way I grew br the way I am today br br The days were hard the winters cold br with ragged clothes and shoes well worn br your mouth was hungry for some food br that sometimes never came br I struggled through the leaner years br though never once did shed a tear br was happy in my innocence br and loved my childhood dreams br br I never thought that I was poor br the poverty of youth is pure br it's growing up that makes unsure br the way lifes meant to be br the many friends I left behind br I keep their memorys alive br and guard them deeply in my mind br it's just my history.br br Charles M.