Back In the Day

Back in the Day
     By Dane Smith-Johnsen

It was back in the day of buggy and horse
Long before cars were made,
That a small farm boy, too young for the fields
Stayed home at the cabin with me.
Since this young boy who stayed was only a tot
He with critters and bugs would play.
It was great fun almost everyday.
Watching him play from the porch.
We were more than friends romping on the land.
Brother and sister were we.
With a bond that brought angels above great joy
Seeing me with the boy.

And this is the reason it hurt so much
Watching that day from the porch,
The woeful sight came in view oh, plight.
It happened in broad daylight.
Folks working in the fields came fast
To see what help they could be.
Our older brother's gun had fired.
I saw it all from the porch.

The angels looked down with sadness and said
What a dreadful fray we see—
Yes, and Mama knew it (sixteen years old, 
Is too young to have a gun.)
Oh, woeful sight in my afternoon view 
His memory is clear to me.

For our bond was stronger by far than the bonds
Of those who came running to see—
Of those who full of fear did flee--
There was not one angel in Heaven above
Relieved one spot of the sadness in me 
Forever together love bonded with him
Sweet feelings remembered by me.

For the heart of my brother forever entwined
With the horrible sight I did see
And my soul deep inside to that memory binds
And prays for eternity, we--
Although late at nighttime, when I kneel by my bed. 
I start praying, praying for my young brother dead.
And the bonding between him and me
We shall siblings eternally be.

(Written in the style of Edgar Allen Poe)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

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Strand Avatar
October 29, 2009 at 1:28 AM
Thank you for supporting my contests Dane Rgds Brian
Freeman Avatar
October 28, 2009 at 7:17 PM
Excellent Ballad on your part Dane, a sad story is told, though, a tear maker for sure. Sincerely, Love, Moses
Kendrick Avatar
October 28, 2009 at 2:34 PM
Sad that this has always happened. Today with safety taught and locked gun cabinets things should be safer. Nice presentation of the idea that guns are dangerous and should be treated with respect. Also the idea of sibling love instead of sibling rivalry. Keep writing. Sara
Griffiths Avatar
October 27, 2009 at 7:51 PM
A very sad ballad. I was so sad when I read it. Very well written. Pam.
Knop Avatar
October 27, 2009 at 5:26 PM
So sad your ballad, but so nicely written, Dane Ann, you again showed great talent...Keep writing, Gert
Chircop Avatar
October 27, 2009 at 1:27 PM
i need tishoos Dane..heartfelt..touched me deep--Charma
Kelly Avatar
October 27, 2009 at 9:49 AM
Great emotional , piece , DAS-J ....
Richards Avatar
October 27, 2009 at 9:32 AM
Such a sad story...it almost could be the ballad of a country song we might hear on the radio, while driving down a lonesome highway. Well written, Dane Ann. ~ Carrie
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