Kiddie Car Classics

Driving Into Yesterday

While sorting through
Old photographs,
I came upon a treasure
That brought back summer afternoons
So full of simple pleasures.
The photo showed me riding
In my brand-new pedal car,
Looking cocky and determined.
As an Indy racing star.
I stepped right through that photo
Into may old neighborhood,
Where I used to fill the summer days
With everything I could.
Why, first thing every morning,
I was up right with the sun
And heading in my pedal car
For wherever there was fun.
The sidewalk was my highway,
And with my imagination,
I could steer my pedal car
To any destination.
I didn’t need a battery
To give my car its power–
Just pushin’ on those pedals
Made it hum along for hours.

My other friends with pedal cars
Would have some real close races…
Next thing you knew, we’d all be off
To extra special places.
We might stop by the “station”
And “fill’er up” with “gas,”
Or we might stop off for lemonade
And buy ourselves a glass.
My dog would run beside my car
Mile after happy mile.
When I’d honk at all the neighbors,
They’d wave back at me and smile.
I was mighty proud and happy
Such a sporty car was mine,
And I’d wash her with the garden hose
Until she’d really shine.
And now, although my car
Is many miles and years from me,
The times we shared are bright
And warm
Within my memory.
– Dean Wallen