Getting off the school bus in winter
Was always some kind of adventure
But of all the tales there are to tell
To me, this one's the clincher

Johnson Bottom boasted two large bridges
There was one at each end of the camp
We never got to ride the bus across
And had to walk down the Dotson ramp

It was a week or so before school let out
For the much awaited Christmas vacation
Kids chattering about toys and candy and such
What a marvelous, heady sensation

We got off the bus a little late that day
Throwing snowballs as we skated along
Melodious tones of children's laughter
Rang like bells in a Christmas song

Deciding we had better hurry on home
The three of us took a big run-and-go
Underestimating the layer of ice
Glistening menacingly under the snow

Then Junior started slipping and sliding
Like a fool, I grabbed onto his coat
Poor Lena was tumbling close behind
Yelling and hollering like a Nanny goat

I hung onto brother as we slid down the hill
Snot was pouring from Junior's nose
I dropped my books and my hat flew off
Lena squalled she couldn't feel her toes

Rolling like snowballs in an avalanche
We all landed in a heap at the bottom
I was bawling about my books when Junior said
"Don't worry, little sis, I got 'em!"

None the worse for wear, we started again
Still enjoying that Kentucky weather
Laughing and frolicking as kids often do
In the snow that was light as a feather

Junior and I are old now and Lena's gone
Yet such memories keep old minds young
I hope I'll always be fun and young at heart
Until my last song on Earth is sung

Kathleen McCoy Eldridge©
November 30, 2008
All Rights Reserved

Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers
Sequenced by Gary Rogers
Gary's Midi Paradise