Our Yearly Guest
Our Yearly Guest
Written: by Tom Wright
9/14/99
The old man, as did Dad's uncle from Arkansas,
came to our house to visit each year.
The old man always arrived and always left
at about the same time, give or take a week or two.
I never knew where his home was,
but was always glad to see him for he brought things that,
as a boy, I'd missed since his last stay and on occasion
I was allowed to miss school during his stay and this I really enjoyed.
However, I could sense,
that Mom & Dad soon tired of his being there
for he brought with him expenses that we could ill afford.
His presence necessitated that we dress in a manner befitting him
and we always had extra logs stored up for this expected guest.
Many expenses were brought on by his presence but we seldom complained.
He mostly kept busy during his short stay,
what with the sleet and snow and all.
Sleet, snow and cold winds always seemed to coincide with his arrival.
I can recall pressing my face to a sweaty window at dawn
and peering outside, thinking perhaps, he had slipped away as I slept,
because this was his " Modus Operandi."
He never said good-by but usually blew out of town as he came.
I never knew of his travels after he left our house,
and when I'd ask, the answer was always the same,
"Somewhere up North", (Perhaps Shell Knob ).
Which upon reflection, would seem a logical place to be,
If you were Old Man Winter.
Before long, Lord willing, I'll here his voice again proclaim,
"I'mmmm Baaaaa'ack.
Copyright © Tom Wright | Year Posted 2019
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