If I could go back to my childhood again And recapture
a bit of its charm, I’d pack all my memories in a valise
And head back to my grandmother’s farm.
I’d look for the boulder that stood by the road Where
we’d play by the hour in the sun. The “Grit” magazine was
spread out on that rock Til the “Wishing Well” puzzle was
done.
We’d walk up the road which curves back of the house,
Gath’ring peaches from trees on the lawn. The wild
flowers blooming along the old fence Closed nightly but
opened at dawn.
Grandma’s porch was unpainted and needed repair. For a
step, Grandpa’d placed an old rock. I remember the doors
of that weathered old house Grandma never would bother to
lock.
The kitchen smelled often of freshly-baked bread.
Grandma cooked all the things that I love. Oil cloth
was spread on the old table top And a fly paper hung up
above.
The water pail rested upon a low bench; The dipper hung
down from a nail. Some kindling was piled by the back
kitchen door With a few pieces stuck in a pail.
The pantry led down to the cellar below Where apples
were stored with great care. The aroma was pungent and
mellow and sweet; Grandpa grew the best fruit anywhere!
In the bedrooms upstairs were the large feather beds
Where the children were tucked in to sleep. Heavy
quilts were spread over to keep us all warm; In the
mornings, thrown off in a heap.
Outside the back door were the washboard and tubs;
Hanging near were the old broom and mop. When
Grandma’d need water, we’d go to the well And crank
buckets full to the top.
In Grandpa’s large orchard, gnarled apple trees stood;
He grew the red-striped apples, too. Grandpa took SO
MUCH pride in his orchard back then In a way that Most men
seldom do.
We’d hunt for fresh eggs hidden out in the barn And
chase the old hens from their nests. We’d pet the new
calves in the sun-filtered stalls And clasp baby chicks to
our breasts.
I’ve stood on the hills there behind Grandma’s house
And surveyed the lush meadows below. If Heaven
surpasses the view from this spot, Believe me, I’m anxious
to go !
