I Knowed It Was Summer When

I have many fond memories growin' up on the farm as a boy. Such simple pleasures in times more sublime brought me great joy! I knowed it was summer when in June Dad bought me a straw hat, And in the pasture we'd form a diamond to swing ball and bat! I knowed it was summer when I could go barefoot sheddin' my shoes, And wade in the 'crick' and let the warm mud through my toes ooze! I knowed it was summer 'cause I had to attend Vacation Bible School, When I'd rather be feeshin' than learnin' to live by the Golden Rule! My dog Spooks trailed me as I ambled to my favorite feeshin' hole, With a can of worms, safety pin fer a hook and willow branch fer a pole! I knowed it was summer when upon a lofty oak limb I'd stretch, Gazin' at driftin' clouds and, Oh!, the many boyhood dreams I'd sketch! I knowed it was summer when I saw the steam tractor comin' down the road, With the threshin' machine in tow to reap the grains that my Father sowed! I knowed it was summer when I picked wild blackberries as big as yer thumb, And ate so much homemade ice cream until my poor brain was froze numb! I knowed it was summer when in the gloamin' I'd catch fireflies in a jar, And listen fer the hauntin' wail of freight trains travelin' from afar! I knowed it was summer when relaxin' on the front porch at end of day, Fightin' mus-skeeters, sippin' iced tea and savorin' scented new-mown hay! I knowed it was summer when hoein' taters 'neath the hot Hoosier sun, And pitchin' hay and swattin' sweatbees, neither of which was fun! I knowed it was summer when lightnin' lit the sky like the Fourth of July, Followed by rollin' thunder and rain as 'neath covers in terror I'd lie! I knowed it was summer when Mom made preserves, jams and jellies, That along with her homemade breads and biscuits would sate our bellies! I have many fond memories growin' up on the farm as a boy! Such simple pleasures in times more sublime brought me great joy! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (c) All Rights Reserved