twenty nine cents a gallon

I remember when gas
was twenty nine cents a gallon,
leaded.
when the guy
would run out
in his white uniform and hat
and pump your car
for free.
he'd check the oil,
show you the black wet stick
and say
you're a tad low,
or you're just right.
he fill the tires with air.
wipe the windshield,
both front and back.
and then
sometimes he'd give you
a dinner plate or a saucer
and cup
to match.
things were different then,
jfk was still in the white
house, and
betty crocker was a mere
child.