Photo: Flickr
Labeled for Non-Commercial Reuse
Summer of Love
Signs of the Times
I could have been there, but wasn’t,
though this California earthquake
hit me harder than Loma Prieta
(and I was there, in the city, for that one.)
I’ve walked the hate Haight,
tossed flowers onto a pond,
inhaled once and choked,
joined a minority in my own
weird way, loved freely
in my own sure way.
But, I embrace our vets,
as well, while rueing war,
love my country, question
politics, splurge on gratitude.
The signs abounded; buttons led the way.
Is what we have now
really what we want?
When I opened the paper this morning (to barely scan the headlines and read the comics) I found an article on the 50th Anniversary of the Summer of Love (1967) that showed a photo of buttons with the many slogans that emerged.
Today, Mish invites us to muse on the many signs that surround us and I suppose these little buttons, which certainly set our culture in a new direction, may be acceptable for the prompt. Please join us with a SIGN that hits you at dVersePoets.
Victoria C. Slotto, Author 
Oh my gosh I remember those cute little badges!❤️ Lovely write, Victoria 😀
LikeLike
An excellent response to the prompt. I especially am struck by the third stanza and how you nailed the conflicting viewpoints that can reside in one person at the same time….to embrace our vets yet abhor war; to love our country but not its current politics. Well done!
My favorite button/saying of the 60s was Make Love Not War.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do think most of us are a blend of political ideology. I try to steer away from talking politics except in a general way. It’s so personal to each of us and I don’t like hateful discourse. It keeps us from ever being able to work toward accomplishing something..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen! ❤
LikeLike
Tiny little signs!! This brought back memories of a button collection that I once had. I especially like the honesty and reflection in these lines….
“joined a minority in my own
weird way, loved freely
in my own sure way”
LikeLiked by 1 person
love the light lyrical touch of your words from start to finish –
“The signs abounded; buttons led the way.” – so profound for then and now
LikeLiked by 1 person
Make love not war…pot is the spot…I took those literally and figuratively…Lol, I still do. And while vigorously protesting The War, i even more embraced the vets and still do. Excellent poem Victoria. I went to Woodstock (remember very little), Newport…my mother was so supportive of my whims and friends. I agreed to do the debutante season but only if I were left free to be free. She was the best mother,
LikeLiked by 1 person
Though my life took me in a totally different direction, my sweet mother supported me in my whims, even though it pained her so.
LikeLike
Mine two. Although we made a bargain – I would be a debutante only if I could have the summer free. She had been a deb and was determined I would be too! But I went to Woodstock!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would imagine – no – it can’t possibly be – joining the minority
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was a nun at the time. Counter-cultural in my own way, I suppose.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great thought provoking poem!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is superb. It is as if you spoke for me. Thank you for a wonderful poem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The piece connects past, present and future. The last question is like a sign for the less experienced to read correctly to go ahead. A nice, thought provoking writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was a little too young then, but I do remember the badges, though it was more like fashion. I think most of us are a bit between
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. I think so too.
LikeLike
Lots of memories in this – thanks
LikeLike
We need substance over slogans, I think…thought-provoking write.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, Lynn. While some of the slogans seemed thoughtful, they never went further than protest. Sorta like now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Still true…best to you my “former hippie” friend 😉
LikeLike
Uh. Me no hippie. Me nun! 😛
LikeLiked by 1 person
ah yes!
LikeLike
Made me think of flower children, peace and love. A nostalgic trip.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the many signs on the buttons, like sign posts of one’s journey ~
Your reflection resonates with me:
But, I embrace our vets,
as well, while rueing war,
love my country, question
politics, splurge on gratitude.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the buttons, and the memories. Wish we could ever have what we want. I think the only thing I’d ask the government to do is resign and turn off the lights when they leave.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep. I think I’m a libertarian at heart. Maybe. We need to take responsibility for ourselves and be more self-sufficient.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Each of those buttons is a little sign. I remember wearing buttons during that time. I don’t remember what was on them anymore.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I admire swimming. It doesn’t take anything to float downstream (go with the flow). Enjoyed the poem. Especially the cross-out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, that key question at the end… Love this reflection!
LikeLiked by 1 person