Two Treasures Of A Day Gone By

Today, beside a little park

on the other side of town ~

I came upon a hot dog stand.

What a treasure I have found!



An umbrella of bright red and blue

opened wide across its top.

Guarding over its precious cargo of ~

hot dogs, chips, and soda pop.



With all the charm, of days gone by,

it stood beneath the shade.

Beside the stand ~ a darling man,

the truest treasure of the day!



Eighty, at least, he had to be.

He was so proud to be of help!

As he put together my two hot dogs,

he began to tell me of himself.



He said, "My name is Harley.

I know I appear a little worn.

Welcome to my hot dog stand!

A new friendship has been born.



You have to tell me slowly,

how your hot dogs should be made.

It seems that my darn ole memory

Is not too good these days.



I am here, Monday thru Friday.

I work from ten till three.

Please, if you like my hot dogs,

tell others about me.



I have a little trouble with my feet,

but if you have the time,

I will help you get these to your car.

The pleasure, is all mine!



You will not find a better dog.

This I gaurantee!

No fillers or perservatives

will you find here with me.



Grab yourself a soda and some chips,

as a gift from me.

You have helped to brighten up the day

of this  old man, of eighty-three."



I know that he will cross my mind

for many days to come!

To this charming man, and his hot dog stand ~

I wish for ~

only sun!












Author's Notes/Comments: 

I was so charmed by this little man and his hot dog stand, that I plan to make at least one trip a week to see him.  In my part of the country, in the heat of summer it can get to 120 degrees!  The winds can sometimes gust to 50 mph.  He explained to me that he is always at his stand, come what may, Monday thru Friday ten till three.  He has been doing this now for about five years. He told me, "Ah, I don't make much money... but I make plenty of friends!"  I only pray that I will not visit one day and find him gone. What a tribute to his erra! This quaint little man and his cart of yesterday, has truly touched my heart!  Here's to many more hot dogs between friends Harley! ~Lesa~

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chris's picture

Harley!
I remember reading this poem in your other site.
An example of the special people we meet all over the place.
I loved your description of him.
We miss the simple things in life, sometimes.

Teressa Heafner's picture

Awww... this is so sweet!!! You did a wonderful job writing it!!

kat's picture

Well, Lesa, thanks for sending me over! This is another charming lil poem. I bet if you sat the wth Harley long enough he'd fill you with a wealth of stories and inspirations for plenty of poems....not to mention hotdogs 'n chips!
Another good write.

kat

Butch Lesley's picture

I can see him now and taste that fresh made hotdog.
When the reader can visualize the subject of the poem, then the writer has written a good piece. Indeed you have done well on this one.

Douglas Lazard's picture

Lesa, I'm quite sure that Harley is as charming as this poem. I'm so glad that you have become my friend. The way you think is so much like the way that I do...
Your style is just awsome!!!
peace and love ~~~~ Dougie ~~~