From the Age of Innocence.........The Front Porch

From the Age of Innocence............The Front Porch

A recent social media posting "bring back the front porch" conjured up all sorts of childhood memories.  Mostly cherished, other's although learning experiences, must also be remembered.  

Living mid way up the hill, the stately Victorian we called home, was the first house on this quaint tree-lined cul-de-sac called Sunnyside. It's expansive yard, old attached barn, a treat for the neighborhood gang.  Yet, it was the front porch of this enormous home, that stood out as a neighborhood amenity.  

Warm summer breezes turned to awesome summer nights, the friends gathered on the porch, record player, (age related) and old  forty-five record singles, could be heard each night, shortly after darkness.  Call it a coming of age, it was where all gathered, socialized, realized, yes realized, these gathering of childhood would soon end.  Each year, a new face replaced one who had moved into the post adolescent stage, ones now allowed to venture farther than the front porch, beyond parental control.  It was also where whispered discussions took place.  

Secret conversations, brought to light by the younger siblings of former "porch gatherers!"  Pauly cautiously whispers, "Henry is grounded for a week!" We can only surmise the reason, perhaps he'll return to the front porch with his tales of woe. Regardless, conversation turns to sensationalism, appropriate fantasies formed, we need to find out from Henry, "Pauly get your brother, maybe the truth will reveal itself!" 

Perhaps the precursor to reality TV! Chaperones within earshot reminding this immature front porch crew, "conversation over or meeting place will be closed for the same week Henry's been grounded!" Not willing to risk secret conversation, pre-teen hormonal changes and conversation regarding such, we crank the music louder, gaze towards the stars, smack mosquitoes, search the blackness for lightening bugs and marvel at the summertime world seen through the eyes of the motley tween group, innocently anticipating life beyond the front porch with amazing and unbridled excitement!