One cool, spring day, many years ago
A little bunny hopped into our yard
With five of us kids surrounding it
Catching it wasn't really very hard
We talked Daddy into letting us keep it
And he promised to build a rabbit hutch
My sister and I smiled 'cause we both knew
Our Daddy was usually a soft touch
Playing with the rabbit and the chickens
Special pets they would all become
My brother always brought in little stray dogs
And cats looking for a good home
We played hopscotch and marbles
And splashed and frolicked in the creek
Games of three-eyed-cat with a ball and stick
Kick-the-can and hide-and-go-seek
Times were hard and the family was big
And we all had our chores to do
Looking back, I sometimes marvel at how
Daddy and Mother always saw us through
Often, Daddy went to work in the mines
When he was sick and was hardly able
Mother stretched every penny as far as she could
To make sure there was food on the table
They always made our holidays special
Trying to give us something to remember
It must have taken them months to pay
For our Christmases each December
Our parents sacrificed a lot for us
And never once did I hear them complain
Oftentimes, I let my mind wander 'way back when
And enjoy those simple pleasures once again
Kathleen McCoy Eldridge©
September 9, 2006
All Rights Reserved
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