Fond Memories

We weren't rich by any means but our bellies were full and our clothes were clean They didn't display those high priced names but they wore fine just the same We didn't ride around in fancy cars Grandma saved pennies in a big glass jar We learned early that money doesn't grow on trees we also learned to say "thank you" and "please" I mowed the grass in the summertime My sister helped hang the clothes on the line My cousin usually took out the trash On Friday we'd each get seven dollars cash At nigh we slept under a big window fan It made the most comforting sound when it ran We put a beaten on that old screen door We must have popped it a million times or more In the Fall we'd all gather up wood and invite every kid in the neighborhood Grandaddy would build us a pretty good fire We'd all roast hotdogs on coat hanger wires Our first roller skates had metal wheels with rubber stoppers on the backs of the heels We had a paved alley alongside the house You could see sparks when we skated around Every couple of years we'd get a new bike We'd attach playing cards to all of the spikes We'd attach them with grandma's wooden clothespins so it would sound like our bikes had motorcycle engines As I look back on our childhood I think we had it pretty good We didn't need all the fancy stuff We had each other and that was enough Grandma's house was our favorite place We'd never felt more loved and safe That old house was home to us It was the best even when we'd fight and fuss Those memories to me are so crisp and clear I will always hold them very dear