Stockton Redeux

In Berkeley we played in alleys,

Ivy covered, with steps on steep hills;

Sliding down grass slopes in boxes

While ‘egg head’ fathers paid the bills.

On Oahu, we ran like natives,
Barefoot from store to shore;
"Hawaiians" from Samoa,
Taught us "Sailor speak" galore. 

In Carmel, we followed movie stars;

Riding waves on a white sand beach.

Embarrassing clarinet lessons,

Pushed me far from my parent's reach.

In Stockton, we lived with farmers,

My friends, both Okies and Mexican…

Oh that I could gather them all,

To reside in the delta again.