Summertime

Simple were the things that brought me so much joy, During the fleeting summers when a Hoosier country boy! As free as a soaring eagle in the vast wild blue yonder, As o'er the meadows and through the woods I would wander! Old Sol would rouse me beckoning through the window bay, As if to say, "Up lad! Great things I have in store for you today!" After a bite of ham and gravy bread I would scurry outside, Barefoot of course - those worrisome shoes were cast aside! There were crawdads to catch as I waded in the 'crick'. Along the path there were blackberries I'd tarry to pick. There was the ancient oak to climb and on a limb I'd stretch, As I watched vagabond clouds and boyhood dreams I'd sketch! With a safety pin for a hook, a willow branch for a pole, I'd meander along the winding path to my favorite fishing hole. If the fish were languid and of fishing I'd had enough, I'd shed my patched overalls for a quick dip in the buff! 'Twas truly a delight on a mellow Hoosier summer's night, To capture fireflies in a mason jar on their winged' flight. 'Tis so pleasurable now and again to pause and reminisce, About such simple times and those summers of youthful bliss! Entry for Janis Thompson's "Summertime" Contest