Withered old and gray
I’ve closed my eyes
While the suburbs turn violent
In dismay
I sold lock stock and barrel
All except for the key to home
I smiled before leaving
Waved good-byes to my old neighbors
Like an old cow
I climbed in my nephew’s car
Into the sunset I replied
Take me home
The ride was so peaceful
Enjoyable
I knew in a few hours
I would feel like a little girl again
I only wish when I turn the key
My folks would still be there
Then they are still there in spirit
The ride up the mountain
Not frighten me a bit
Even though
The last time I went down this mountain
It was in an old truck
Back in the early 40's
I was a new bride
Heading with my husband
To the big city
Awe’ over there
Look I said to my nephew
The sun is fading into the mountain
Just over yonder is the cabin
He turned the ben
There in the front yard
Were faces waiting to greet me
Family, friends and folks
I had not seen in years
My old heart rejoiced being home
I smiled standing there staring at the old cabin
I felt Ma and Pa so close
Maybe smiling down from Heaven
Who knows?
I was like a spring chicken
Spry as a fiddle
Wanting to help feed everyone
The women’s folk refuse to let me do a thing
This shindig is for you said my second cousin
The men’s folk were gathering instruments
Over by the old wood pile
The fiddles and banjos
You could hear their echo down the mountain
A tear in my eye
Fall down my cheek in happiness
For
I knew I was home
Safe still loved
Where others would always look in on me
The women’s folk were dancing
The men’s folk stomping
Into the evening
My nephew took me by the arm
Walking me to the cabin door
You’re home Auntie
Now turn the key
I open the door
Speechless I stood there
Just looking it over
I told my nephew
I believe Ma has been here
He laughed I followed in a giggle
The house was still the very same
As the day I left
Not one thing out of place
Not so much as a speck of dust
The kin folk
Really watched over the place I thought
My nephew was amazed
Looking at the old enamel stove in the kitchen
That was your Grandma’s baby I said
The hours she spent over that stove
I can smell the chicken cooking said Auntie
Gravy and mash potatoes a city man would die for
Come with me said Auntie
I have a special room to show you
She opens the door
There were an old crib and a chair
This was your Daddy’s room son
That chair there
Ma would hold him tight
Singing old mountain lullabies till he fell asleep
The pictures on the wall are all family
Old mountain folk
My nephew asks if I was sure
This be the place I wanted to be
I smiled and replied O’ yes
Someday I told him
You will carry me in a box
Over yonder to the old grave yard
It is there
My old soul is meant to be
I showed him the old family Bible
You are the last entry in the family Bible
When the good Lord comes to take me
The key to the front door will be here
Waiting for you
For
Someday you just like me
Shall come home?
You will turn the key
Copyright 2008
