Nostalgia has a way of getting to me. It’s the recent heat that got me thinking of summer days long past. 

As a kid, before the responsibility of summer jobs, I was one of a passel of free-range boys who roamed the city on our bicycles. Every day was an adventure. Often, we were off to the ball diamond for practice or a pick-up game with whomever was available. The term ‘boys of summer’ wasn’t familiar to me then, but that’s what we were.

Leaving home in the morning with instructions from our moms to be safe and be home for dinner, the days were ours to explore. Carrying nothing but our ball gloves, or skateboards, we set off on familiar streets and paths.

These were the days long before kids carried water bottles, and long before we knew anything about “hydration”. We would ride and play until we were thirsty and then search for a source of refreshment.

A few parks or playgrounds may have had water fountains, but more often than not, we were never close. Our parched souls were tamed by a common garden hose. Every home had one.

It wasn’t uncommon for us to ask a lady tending to her garden if we could have a drink from her hose. Sometimes, we wouldn’t even ask. 

Those were the days before plastic water bottles could be purchased at any corner store or gas station. And who had the pocket change to purchase anything? Had we any cash, a nickel or two could buy a popsicle. Popsicles, in those days, were designed to be split in two. Is there anything that demonstrated friendship like splitting a popsicle with a friend?

But really, who would spend money on water?

Fresh water, straight from the hose, brings back soothing memories as a true taste of summer.

© 2026 j.g. lewis