1952

A train whistle riles up the dozing , dogs They bray like coon hounds then shiver back to sleep A honeysuckle screen quivers and dreams The boys and the dogs are off to round up sheep Smokey silence hisses with gas lamplight Pipes on porches wink at the stars Women are abed to rise with the first light Dishes are done, bread is baked, children - clean Only sound - the mournful call of a train Smokes are doused, kerosene wicks trimmed prayers said Night lights are stars peeking through drab windows Time now to sleep, a freedom of dreams