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)