Summertime

Simple were the things that brought me so much joy,
During the fleeting summers when a Hoosier country boy!
As free as a soaring eagle in the vast wild blue yonder,
As o'er the meadows and through the woods I would wander!

Old Sol would rouse me beckoning through the window bay,
As if to say, "Up lad!  Great things I have in store for you today!"
After a bite of ham and gravy bread I would scurry outside,
Barefoot of course - those worrisome shoes were cast aside!

There were crawdads to catch as I waded in the 'crick'.
Along the path there were blackberries I'd tarry to pick.
There was the ancient oak to climb and on a limb I'd stretch,
As I watched vagabond clouds and boyhood dreams I'd sketch!

With a safety pin for a hook, a willow branch for a pole,
I'd meander along the winding path to my favorite fishing hole.
If the fish were languid and of fishing I'd had enough,
I'd shed my patched overalls for a quick dip in the buff!

'Twas truly a delight on a mellow Hoosier summer's night,
To capture fireflies in a mason jar on their winged' flight.
'Tis so pleasurable now and again to pause and reminisce,
About such simple times and those summers of youthful bliss!

Entry for Janis Thompson's "Summertime" Contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Song Avatar
April 16, 2012 at 8:19 PM
Bob, I am rereading thru this poem to count all the things that u and I have in common as we both shared similar childhood activities...the entire poem makes my heart glad and I could just savor one or two lines for several minutes and then move on to another...this makes me miss those youthful days...I can just picture u stretching out in the oak tree too! A nostalgic pleasant write. Love, Gwendolen
A   Avatar
April 15, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Robert, this is a wonderful poem..I know Frank, will agree... some memories, a re the best bliss of them all... good luck in the contest..always..pd
Andresen Avatar
April 14, 2012 at 2:28 PM
You have many good memories and many wonderful story to tell. I am so glad that you share those with us/me. Wish you luck in contes.... and a lovely weekend in sunshine! - love oxox Anne-Lise
Burch Avatar
April 14, 2012 at 12:15 PM
ahhh, you are such a gifted storyteller Robert...brings back memories...I still catch lightenin' bugs...lol...but I turn them loose now :) Best Wishes in the contest...a sure winner! big hugs,love deb
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