Growing up, life settled into rituals and routines.
We would get up, wash our faces, and brush our teeth.
Cereal for breakfast, except for Saturdays, when
Daddy made eggs, bacon, biscuits, and gravy.

Sunday dinner was roast beef or ham with green beans and potatoes.
Weekday meals were steak, pork chops, chicken, or meatloaf.
Friday meant fish sticks or tuna casserole.
Saturday was leftover day, or toasted-cheese sandwiches.

We had Vanilla Wafers and Jello for treats,
Along with ice cream and sherbet.
No potato or corn chips except for parties.
No soda pop except when we were not at home.

We drank whole milk or reconstituted frozen orange juice,
Ate Vienna sausages and Saltine crackers,
Were happy with Cheerios, milk, and sugar,
Cinnamon toast, and occasional pancakes.

We headed inside to watch Romper Room with cups of milk and cookies.
Watched Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe working at the Ponderosa.
Wondered what adventure Lassie would go on with little Timmy.
Marveled at the dexterity of The Rifleman.

We didn’t know then that those routines and rituals
Would define a whole generation,
Connect us through hide-and-seek, tag, and jump rope,
Help us feel united and share common values.

We grew up feeling quintessentially American—
Patriotic but discerning; optimistic despite
Vietnam, three assassinations, and Watergate,
Our common daily rituals and routines unite us.

We are more the same than different.
Our values center on honesty, respect, and love.
May those rituals and routines of childhood
Unite rather than divide us in today’s trying times.