My mind goes back to childhood days
Of a long dusty lane that went both ways.
Along which stood an old farm house
That sheltered us, as well as a mouse.
Nothing fancy, just somewhere to live
But it had lots of charm to give.
The long back porch that was built in
To become a bathroom and a den.
The window that was left between
The den and the kitchen so to be seen.
As mama prepared the meals
And we watched our first TV reels.
The window, also the telephone stand
That in a house of nine, was in demand.
If ever you could grab a time
When there was no one on the party line.
All boys to play with made it rough
But I soon learned how to be tough.
There was Cynthia, who came to stay,
With her grandma and pa, down the way.
A tomboy's life she never lived,
So playing with her was an ordeal.
"I can't do that, my pretty dress,
Will get dirty and become a mess."
There was no one else for over a mile,
But we often would go and meet with a smile.
Linda was accustomed to playing outside.
And a little dirt, never tarnished her pride.
So at least three times a week,
We would make that one mile streak.
The pond by the pasture was on the way,
Sometimes we would end up there all day.
The woods along the pond was neat,
It was cleared of underbrush and easy on feet.
The cows would wander in there to graze,
Boy, it was fun back in those days.
Back behind the pasture was the train tracks,
It came barreling through, clickety clack.
We'd count the cars and read the signs,
As it blowed it's whistle on down the line.
It was never a boring country lane
Always something there, even planes.
My big sister who lived far away,
Would come and visit on holidays.
By this time she was married to Bob
And he gave flying lessons as a job.
So when they came to visit us there,
They flew over and signaled in the air.
That was our cue, to get in the car,
And drive to the airport, which wasn't far.
Bob would always take us up for a spin,
I was always glad to come down again.
I have many memories of those days,
Some were happy and some faded away.
But the long country lane is now a thorough fare,
For all the new homes and people there.
The old house is gone, but not in my mind,
I think of it often and of the good times.
Of playing with my brothers, cowboys and guns,
Down a country lane, I had so much fun.
Written by Shirley Barr
May 22, 2005
All Rights Reserved
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Psalms 19: 1 ~ The heavens' declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.
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