DOWN ON THE FARM

Sittin’ on a porch swing
Fannin’ away the heat
Magnolia scented summer air
And a lemonade so sweet

Pretty poppies, orange and red
Lined by small white brick
Summer on our Auntie’s farm
Was such a happy trek

Lots of dogs to play with
Some horses there to ride
And I didn’t have to wear my shoes
Just to go outside

Her cool green lawn beneath my feet
And up between my toes
A feeling I can still recall
That memory never goes

A big brick grill out in the back
And lots of food to eat
Our Auntie’s fresh baked apple pie
Was such a special treat

Early evenings lying out
In a hammock made of string
Then watching stars come out to play
As ‘round a campfire we’d sing

“Off to bed” our Auntie’d say
So up the stairs we’d fly
Lured into a gentle dream
By a cricket lullaby

Then early up to milk the goats
And oranges to squeeze
T’was breakfast on her big back porch
To a bird’s song on the breeze

I’d race my brother to the stream
Beneath a big oak tree
Riding on her tire swing
Was great fun for him and me

In the distance, a voice would ring
“Come on, it’s time to go”
Oh, those weekends spent on Auntie’s farm
Still warm my heart and soul
Sherry Heim
May 11, 2002

Copyright © Sherry Gail Heim 2002