Kerosene
Kerosene was a staple in my childhood on the farm.
We used it to start the fires in the stoves to keep us warm.
Kerosene lamps and lanterns were only lights we had.
We were warned not to drop them; if we did it could be bad.
Mom told us it was dangerous and results would be dire,
O’ Riley’s cow kicked the lantern, starting Chicago fire.
It had so many uses, I forget some of them now,
My daddy cleaned his tools with it and even shined the plow.
Our mama poured it on our heads if she suspected lice,
For sore throats, mixed it with sugar. That didn’t taste too nice.
Kerosene still has its uses in this the modern day,
As hi-octane engine fuel it gets big jets on their way.
Won no. 8 in K contest.
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