Staring down the back roads
In the memories of my mind
Wishing for the good old days
A more gentle and quieter time



When you would stop and talk to your neighbors
Just to say, "Hi and How are you."
Or share in your harvest
Of purple hull peas and okra, too



Stopping to help a friend
Mend a fence or find a stray
Or going out to a sun drenched field
To help them haul their hay



Then as the day would slowly
Come to good but exhausting end
You look at everyone around you
And say, "Time to eat, come on in!"



Pulling all the chairs up
As they squeaked across the wooden floor
Knowing you are truly blessed
How could you ask for more



Yes, those were the good old days
Lovingly etched within my mind
Everyone gathering around the table
When saying grace was so divine



As you gave thanks to The Lord above
Your respects you would pay
A time when people always bowed their heads
And closed their eyes to pray



©Brenda Conley
2002
Used With Permission
All Rights Reserved By Author
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