Senses of My Summer Play

I have swept the sidewalk and watered the flowers- the yard is perfect you see Afforded the time to swing in the rocker and drink southern sweet tea As I sip from my favorite old fruit jar- a steady northern breeze accommodates My thoughts wonders back to recall the best remembered days- of youthful summer s gone by What precious memories to an old man like me- whose senses have dulled – now denied I gladly endure and believe in the best of cures- the wonders and joys of youthful age So I will tell you heartedly what cannot be forgotten- senses of my summer youthful play The sting of my palm while playing catch with my older brother- who died when I was thirteen Or the flicker of lighting bugs caught in a Mason fruit jar –imaginative fairy queens A croaking daddy bullfrog while fishing on Pine Lake – just Tom, Dad and me The earthy aroma of freshly cut grass before playing ball at the little league The sweet watery meat of a stolen watermelon-the farmer knew it was me A dip in Pear Creek wearing nothing at all- with a summer’s kiss from Mary Ann- - when I was fifteen Playing pirates and Tarzan in the back yard- under the laughing- weeping willow tree Or the July Ozark Mountain visits to grandmother’s house - I still believe she loved best- only me The carefree rides- wind in my face- on my new Schwinn bike with my best bud Steve The mournful tears as I watched Old Yeller- when I thought I was too old to cry I will stop for now- there are reddish clouds with filtered flashlight beams filling a dusking night For it’s time to eat my bread and wash for bed- I hope my dear wife will not be snoring tonight