“I still find each day too short

For all the thoughts I want to think,

All the walks I want to take,

All the books I want to read,

And all the friends I want to see.”

John Burroughs

I drove by an old city park

Just a few short days ago

So I stopped there for a time

Just to reminisce and to say hello

It had been an early childhood haunt

My grandfather had shown it to me

And when I spotted that old bench

My heart suddenly filled with glee

He and I had perched there together

On many a glorious summer’s day

Joyously laughing and talking together

Feeding the ducks and the boisterous jays

I was thrilled that it was still here

And that it had recently been painted

I soon walked right up and admired it

Happy that we were now reacquainted

And as I sat down on that old bench

I was suddenly swept back in time

I closed my eyes and pictured it all

It was very soothing and so sublime

I could now hear my dear old grandfather

His voice drifted in on the morning breeze

“Edju, when you are feeling a little down,

Come here, and sit amongst these trees.”

“Always listen to these birds,

They are never ever sad,

If you follow their example,

Your heart will always be glad.”

And at that very moment in time

I realized how wise he had truly been

I should have come here far more often

And I knew now I would soon visit again

It had truly been a very soul soothing experience

Sitting on that old bench in that old childhood park

And my heart now rejoiced that after 50 some years

There were still some ducks bluejays and meadowlarks

When I eventually got up and then walked off

I turned back and spotted an old man and a boy

They were now sitting on that old bench together

And as I drove away my heart now filled with joy

I hope that young boy’s time here with his grandfather

Will be as memorable and as enjoyable as mine had been

And I truly hope that as he now journeys on through his life

He too will come back to see our old friend the bench again

©2007, Mr. Ed