glass coke bottles
from the brittle slender weeds
by the railroad tracks
smudging
dirty fingerprints
across their smooth reflection
in the afternoon sun.
(all for a nickle)
when we let them go,
sliding
conveyor rollers
carry them out of sight
leaving nickles to buy another
and we kiss the lips
of that glass bottle,
and get carried away
laughing and joking
our hearts light
with fizzy carbonation
until they put them in plastic,
which just isn't the same
(but we drink it)
and then New Coke
(what were you thinking)
but we drink it
wishing it was just the same
as a glass bottle coke.
real love
ruins our taste
for any other,
though we try to
recreate, repackage, reformulate,
it just isn't the same.
For other takes on the theme, visit my friends at Theme Thursday.
Thanks to my fellow poets and jingle for another Poet's Rally award for last week! I nominate Lauren.
Posts
129 comments:
I just shouldn't mess with a good thing!
Remember the good ol' days?
Nice one Brian!
I remember those days. Coke is best in a the original shaped glass bottle.
Great piece!
Have a Coke & a smile.
I always loved fountain Coke/pop the best!
I know. We like what we like and don't mess with it!
Real love ruins our taste for any other... Nice.
I remember those days too. I remember fishing those little coke bottles out of the ice chest out front of the corner store! Ice cold!! Yum!
Hugs
SueAnn
I so remember those days and have a real thing about plastic and tin..... and I have yet to get use to them. I loved the glass bottles, the good thing about this change has been I no longer drink anything from these materials or use plastic cutlery.....gotta to love my cold clean water....:-Hugs
Real love does ruin your love for others. Oh how true that is...
Coke Classic. Glass bottles only. 6 ounces if you can find it. HEAVEN.
Love those "brittle slender weeds
by the railroad tracks" ...
I know, why plastic??
I have some vintage Pepsi bottles that I acquired when overseas... do those count?
And anybody who can poetically insult New Coke is fine by me.
Hah!
When I was a kid, I used to love it when our washing machine broke because that meant the laundromat and icy glass bottles of Coke. Now Coke's sweetness makes me gag!
Oh how that brings back memories. :)
I do like it. Very nice. I do like coke, and I wish that it was still in glass form.
Part of the poetry rally.
hellohunter
Way to bring back the good ole days, Brian!
Mine is here .
Why Doesnt Coke taste the same in cans?
Have you ever had a Mexican Coke? I'm serious . . . The Coca-Cola that's made in Mexico tastes WAY different than the one that's made in the USA! It's so much better! :)
Soda in a bottle. The best. I am a sucker for smallish operators like Stewarts and Henry Weinhards for their root beer....still in glass bottles. Great post. Great memories.
i had to sort all those glass bottles in a backroom to send them back to the appropriate bottler. Sticky, heavy, gross. But those were the days. Soda hasn't been the same since.
I remember kissing those Coke bottles and putting my tonge in the top and getting it stuck in there with the suck of the carbonation...ahhh...good times.
This is SWEET and charming. Yes, the new coke was a disappointment; the plastic bottles not at all as good as the real thing.
First kiss. First love. Nothing ever quite compared. BUT - the love I found later in life did not need to compare. It was infinitely different and more wonderful.
PG
It's the Real Thing, Baby!
:)The Bach
there is something about drinking coke out of a glass bottle that makes it taste so much better...
I love this Brian...I should start doing themes to give me ideas
New Coke? WHAT in heavens were they thinking???
I loved the opening stanzas, especially the "smudging dirty fingerprints across their smooth reflection in the afternoon sun."
Kat
Ah, this brought back memories! As a kid I use to collect coke bottles out of the creek beside our house and turn them into the neighborhood grocery store across the street.
That really took me back... thanks for the reminder of memories from so long ago!
i so agree! New Coke destroyed my memories of glass bottle cokes when I was little. and I was one of those, with a wagon, collecting bottles for their deposits.
I love the new coke line. I've always wondered what that was all about. :)
Yep, those were the days - coke in bottles. We used to stack them up in the basement. It was a big deal if my Mom would let us keep the deposit money we'd get back. Sometimes it would be a couple of dollars! That's a LOT of penny candy!
Thanks for the memories!
Congrats on your award! Yes, bottles are better than cans. But fountain cokes are the best. I worked at a soda fountain in high school and you pushed one button fo syrup & one for carbonated water. You are supposed to push both the same amount of time. Well, when we made our own cokes, we would give a couple extra squirts of the syrup. Tasted great!
I have a few memories rattling around my head with me and my dad. He bought me a coke in that green glass bottle. I was just a youngling, but it was special and has stayed with me.
I just loved this, all the way through - from the coke bottle memories to the real deal called love that folks keep leaving for "something better" - only it's not. You just can't improve on the first and best.
glass is always better than plastic... ask anyone!!! :)
I'd like to teach the world to sing.... ♪ ♪
Congrats on the award Brian.
It seemed like 'real love', but it was burning your insides and making you sick!! Come to think of it, had a lover or two like that as well.
so speedy,
so handsome.
and
so witty!
I am impressed!
Another job well done...
Why must they mess with perfection?
You are so right ... there is nothing like Coke from a glass bottle ... icy cold!
Slurp!
Ahhh, wouldn't it be grand to buy a six pack of bottled Coke JUST LIKE THEY USED TO MAKE?????
Thanks Brian...sweet memories.
Love Coke that way! Good ol' days!
Makes me think of walking to A&W with my cousins as a kid and bringing back quarts of root beer. :-)
Hi, Brainz! how do i call u brian or miller? what so ever... By the way, how are you doing? just to keep in touch and learn more from your site.Hope i can finally finish my poems in order for me to share my post. Thanks for the visit...
http://uchsmapeh.blogspot.com/
Hi Brian:)
Lovely words to create beautiful pictures. I can see each picture in my mind.
In India glass coke bottles are still popular although there are cans which are priced higher.
For poor people collecting empty coke bottle will help them to earn some money and I have seen rag pickers collecting these bottles with great care.
There was a time when I was young I could get coke very cheap and I used to drink three or four cokes every day. Over a period of time coke became very costly and slowly I gaave it up because it contains gas and sugar. As a person becomes older, health becomes prime importance.
Congratulations on the award. You write wonderful poetry painted in words.
Have a nice day Brian:)
Joseph
Brian, that's so funny because I focused on the same phenomenon (albiet Pepsi, not Coke). Mine isn't quite out there yet since I am on the West Coast and don't post it until just after midnight my time...
Oh, I agree! Those glass bottles were a thing of beauty. Here in Sweden they are making a comeback in certain cafes. Hurray!
I'm ready for summer, and cold drinks. They both sound amazing. Good one!
Glass is better but is more fragile...deep analogy here, Brian...
Interesting poem, Brian :)
wishes,
devika
I liked this poem. I remember those coke bottles--tired of plastic everything.
I am nominating you for this award, congratulations:
http://artiste7.wordpress.com/2010/02/25/circle-of-friends-award/
Yes. Exactly!
In GLASS bottles.
I won't drink from the plastic ones, ick.
And I won't drink from cans, ick.
Those cute little 4 oz bottles are nice when they're available : )
I haven't even read the post; I just love the title :))
Ok ok I'm going to read it...
Nice one. I prefer glass bottles too, even though I am not much of a soda drinker. Glass bottles are probably way better for the environment than the plastic ones are. Plus, the plastic ones are ugly.
Damn. Now I wish I hadn't read it. I feel cheated at the cheap exchange of plastic for glass, when initially the title held sweet, cold, delicious and old fashioned promise....:)
Missing those days... Thanks Brian.. :))
Take care
wow,
love the cold and bubbling taste of cold coke...sweet and cool.
awesome combination of love and drink...
u rock!
You brought back the GOOD OLD DAYS.
Very sweet, Brian.
Congratulations on the award.
Happy THEME THURSDAY!
hugs
shakira
when its good its good... why do manufacturers always feel the need to improve something that works is beyond me.
Your descriptive powers displayed at their best. Happy TT Brian
You reminded me of youth, though I haven't indulged for decades.
What a very poetic idea of kissing a bottle.
Unfortunately I grew up without coke bottle kisses. But not without kisses, fortunately.
You always do so well with these themes.;)
xo
Zuzana
We still have the glass bottles here but only one township still has the 1Litre bottle, the others have a 1.5 which makes me wonder why did they change them.
precious :)
I just kissed a 25cl glass one yesterday!! Chilled, wonderful and child-memory triggering. In Italy we still make it according to ye olde recipe, no dangerous high fructose corn syrup!
Never collected them for nickles, though–that's an Amercian custom. Love it, the image of the dusty bottles and the train tracks is so tender.
Boo for plastic and caffeine-free versions (although good for the toddler stage)
Wonderful imagery as per usual, Brian. Ciao friend, and congrats on the award!
Ele xx
Dunno why they ever stopped refunds on glass bottles. I've got a sulo bin full of them . .I'd be rich!
I'm checking out Lauren. Would really be interesting to see who you think is good.
Everything is plastic now. Even the burgers!
Sure brought back memories!
Nice, I do believe this poetical idea can be superimposed on others .... -J
I buy my daughter the mini glass Coke bottle six packs for special occasions. She just loves Coke bottles.
RnPB Chapter 012
Makes you think! And think!
No it isn't the same.
Thank God the poetry is as good as ever.
Brian, right on with the emoted feeling. We pay a dime deposit and it doesn't make the new bought soda any sweeter.
sweet
indeed what were they thinking!
reminds me I did visit the coke museum in atlanta....darn wish I had thought of it am sure I took pics!
GOOD WORK, yet again and impressive number of fans you have looking forward to your next post
now i need a cold bottle of coke.... even if i know it isn't just about Coke at all... your poem made me thirsty...
I miss the old green glass Coke bottles too.
there is nothing nicer than a cold coke from a bottle 'cept maybe a sweet poem with that bottle of coke...
Ah, yes! I remember.
Ah, the memories...
I should point out that the still have the old style glass bottles in South America...in case you were planning a trip or anything...
Hi! Brian,
What a great take on the use of this week theme..."Bottle."
I really like every word you used in this olde to Coca~Cola bottles and no matter what container "they" placed it in you still prefer to drink it...
...By the way, I prefer
Coca~Cola over Pepsi.
Oh! yes,congratulation! on receiving the Poet's Rally award too.
Happy Theme Thursday!
DeeDee ;-D
Amazing writing. Loved the last bit the best!
Betchca Pepsi would pay you big bucks for this one :) well done!
Beautiful; so many good images here mingle perfectly.
I miss those old glass bottles too! I had some minature ones for my dollhouse.
I remember helping Dad take the empty coke bottles back and getting a new case. Of course, now he's a pepsi man.......
Gotta love that original bottle.
Come back to my place if you wish
I finished revising my post.
Oh I remember plastic (an assault to our sense of taste ;-)
This was a fun post! I love that vintage glass bottle coke.
simply divine way of comparing real love with those relationships which we go through to patch up our heart...
You're right...there's nothing like glass bottle coke. The plastic and the cans just can't cut it.
Congrats on the award. It's perfect for you!
Great post, as always. Coke is my hubby's drink of choice.
Smiles!
Have A Terrific Thursday!
Beautiful writing as always,
cheers!
Oh and it really isn't the same! You can still get those old glass bottles for a quarter in Old Town in Kissimmee Florida. My kids couldn't understand why I was so excited...plastic just doesn't cut it!
Coke shouldn't mess with a good thing. your imagery here is wonderful, my favorite line, "real love
ruins our taste
for any other,"
warm smiles,
I can actually keep a timeline of my life using the packaging and history of certain products!
That was beautiful!
I loved it in glass. I am no longer a cola drinker. Don't like the tin can either. The plastic is the worst!
Why can't they give us glass?
One hundred!
That is awesome, enjoyed reading it
We think your blog is awesome and would like to invite you to the Kitchen Gang http://kitchengang.ning.com
My grandfather had an old coke machine at his Sinclair station. It was such a treat and they were soooooo cold. I can still hear the "clinking" sounds as we pulled them out. I just love this one today...you really hit the nail on the head.
namaste
You've made me remember how long its been since I touched a glass coke bottle... wow.
Brian, Thank you so much for the comments on my poem today expressing the feelings of our Baptismal's. Go back and check it again, I just added the video's of our Baptismals that day :)
Sorry I dont know how to do a link in comments...
http://msjstar1275.blogspot.com/
Every Sunday afternoon a lady used to come to our house to collect all the old bottles and tins. Your lines suddenly brought her to my mind.
Excellent point! After my first love, I have never really been able to love someone else with the same intensity.
hey- Mr more than 100 responses on this- hand me a coke, would ya? :) you're so right though, they just aren't the same in plastic
Will we ever learn ?
We found a case of empty beer bottles when we were about 7...60 cents for bottles and cardboard case was a small fortune to us at that age! New Coke was a marketing strategy that worked...
Coke tasted nicer from a glass bottle, I remember those days, u can still get the bottles here, but they make u pay more for them, whats glass? made of sand? cheap? cool memory poem brian..
I'm so glad I was among the last generation to grow up with the glass bottle.
nice, one post about coke and i have been invited to a cooking site...you have obviously never eaten my cooking...lol. i appreciate it though. smiles.
You always put my Theme Thursday post to shame, Brian. These are always so lovely.
--A
I remember those days! Loved it!!
Remember Clear Coke?
Hello Brian
I enjoyed your poem very much,that coke in the bottle was the best oh the memories of the nickle's! Thanks for stopping in at my place and leaving me a comment! :D
really new Coke whats with that.. I prefer my Diet Coke in a can..stays colder but that is because the only option is plastic... ugh.
nice lighthearted poem
I enjoy each one of your posts. You are very talented. This one made me smile.
That brought back some great memories of loading up our red Radio Flyer askids with glass pop bottles to collect our nickles to buy candy.... about a hundred years ago :-)
Hope your weekend is fun.
jj
"Real love ruins our taste for others".....perfect line!!!!!
P.S. yes, what the HECK were they thinking with "new coke"...??? Such a travesty. I did NOT drink it. I was too busy protesting it. ha
nice Brian.. nothing changed will ever taste the same as they used to be
What a nice award. I remember when we could collect bottles for money. I guess in some places we still can, but it's not the same as when we were young.
This was so fun to read! I really enjoyed it! And it is so true! Also, thank you so much for the nomination! I am greatly honored.
I remember a coke machine in the offices of the Grant's department store in Florham Park, New Jersey. All is cost was a dime, and the coke was so cold it actually had ice in it. It was the most delicious tasting thing in the world to drink.
Nostalgia, is it?! Great style of writing! Go on!
It's The Real Thing!
When they switched over to new coke, I saved a 6 pack of old coke, but somehow my dad, who has never willingly thrown anything away in his life, tossed it. Too bad - I'm sure it would have been delicious after 25 years in a warm New Mexico garage.
:)
smile
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