Driving along a country road
The top down, enjoying the breeze
I heard the sound of joyous laughter
From behind a small clump of trees
Needing to get out and stretch my legs
A tad curious as to the goings on
Behind the trees was a group of children
At a secluded little fishing pond
Listening to their frolicsome merriment
I relaxed on a big flat rock
Enjoying the cool breeze in the shade
As my mind turned back the clock
It seemed like such a short time ago
We could have been those happy children
I imagined my brothers, sisters and me
And the way we were back then
Children of poor, but loving parents
Our toys and games were mostly homemade
After homework and daily chores were done
How we ran and laughed and played
Riding stick horses, playing kick the can
Splashing and wading in the creek
Along with other kids in the neighborhood
Playing horseshoes and hide-and-seek
One of our favorite places to go
Was our special little fishing spot
I remember the water so fresh and cool
On summer days when the weather was hot
Instead of a rod and reel, we used
A piece of string tied to a makeshift pole
Carefully tying our bait to the very end
We'd all meet at the fishing hole
If anyone happened to catch a fish
Turning it loose was a simple matter
Since we had no hooks, they were never hurt
Oh, how I miss that playful patter
Before I knew it, an hour had passed
And I'd finished my fancy bottle of water
But I think I'll always miss the years
When I was a poor coal miner's daughter
Kathleen McCoy Eldridge©
August 29, 2007
All Rights Reserved
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