Perry Roots   These are the Perry family roots that make me proud Where it all began you might say My grandmother and grandfather My Dad in a long ago day   Just simple hard working farmers Who tilled the red Prince Edward Island soil A plucked chicken for Sunday dinner To celebrate a whole week’s toil   No fancy cars or tractors then, just horse and buggy and plows No electricity just the light of the kerosene lamp No TV, no radio, sometimes fiddlers and guitars in the kitchen Once all the work was done and the winter came cold and damp   In that same year they said goodbye As their son went off to war Prayed and hoped as each day passed That he’d return once more   He met a Newfoundland lass along the way Who stole his heart and soul it's true Her name was Edna Dobbin Soon at the alter they said I do He returned to raise nine children Four daughters and five sons his legacy Now there are many generations to follow To grow and make strong the family tree   Though my Dad and Mom are gone now Grandparents, only vague memories remain Along with a few old black and white photos That I still like to look at now and again   They remind me of the sacrifices made on our behalf For all I have to day we breathe a grateful sigh They paved the way for what we all are Someday again we’ll see them by and by