Grandpa's Fiddle

Grandpa was a jolly fellow so talented and so wise. He could plant a row of corn as straight as the arrow flies! He was a very handy carpenter never once hitting his thumb, And he built barns "'squar' with the world", never out of plumb! He was very adept with fiddle and bow to everyone's delight, Except for Grandma who thought the consarned thing a fright! He'd sit for hours 'neath the old sycamore tree sawing away. She'd heard the same tunes for sixty years, much to her dismay! He was a great old-time fiddler, of that there was no doubt. Why, he could've topped Roy Acuff should they have had a bout! His elbows and fingers flew as he played "Turkey in the Straw"! Friends and neighbors tapped their toes, listening to him in awe! Summer nights we'd sit on the front porch 'neath a Hoosier moon, Listening raptly as he played a mellow or a haunting tune. He'd play a rousing "Orange Blossom Special" for the house, Then switch to a lilting rendition of "The Blue Danube Waltz" by Strauss. Grandpa's old fiddle is stilled now, it hangs upon the wall, Though I suspect he's fiddling for the angels, saints and all, As good old blue grass music from his golden fiddle flows, And a bemused Saint Peter surreptitiously taps his toes! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (c) All Rights Reserved