When Dad Was a Boy He Ate Rye Bread

by Lois Villemaire

Buttered pumpernickel,

bagels with cream cheese and lox.

At the home of a friend

he discovered white bread

so delicious, he declared

it tasted like cake.

Mom did the daily cooking,

cut up apples

and oranges for snacks

but on Saturday mornings

to our delight,

Dad might heat up a skillet

of nova, eggs, and onions.

Sundays afternoons

he assembled

sandwiches of lettuce,

thinly sliced tomatoes,

and cucumber

on toast with mayo.

He was a fan of

Wheaties and bananas

borscht and sour cream

pretzels and ice cream

cake and coffee

and any kind of fruit pie.

What was his  favorite food?

I would have to say—

a corned beef special

with coleslaw and Russian dressing

piled high on rye

reflecting his childhood days.