Watermelon Memories

Watermelon Memories When summer time comes around Down memory lane is where I’m bound Time to get some watermelon Not the kind the stores are sellin’ But the kind that Grandpa grew Pink and juicy through and through We’d go down to Uncle Thurman’s farm Where I fell under Thurman’s charm That was down in Caroline With big green melons on the vine I’d sit down in his pickup’s bed “Hold on tight, my uncle said” I bumped and bounced down to his patch “Don’t tell your mom or hell I’ll catch” Down from the pickup I would jump We’d give the melons all a thump And when we found the perfect one Back to the pickup truck I’d run “Don’t let it roll around” he said So I’d hug the melon in the bed Back to Grandma’s house we’d go The melon and I rocking to and fro When we got back they’d all be waiting With big old grins, anticipating Daddy sliced it down the middle Offering each of us a little But as my uncle’s favorite niece I’d hold out for the biggest piece No need for salt, I just dug in The juices dripping down my chin I ate the flesh down to the rind A not so dainty way to dine The process was the same in old Kentuck With my cousins Joe and Chuck And it didn’t stop by any means Even well into my teens Seed spitting contests were the norm Though I never mastered speed or form I still recall the fun we had With grandpa, grandma, mom and dad They’ve passed away and yet I see Them in each summer memory Of watermelons on the vine When I was their’s and they were mine