OLD HOUSE

OLD HOUSE

Doesn't seem so long ago
That I was just a kid
And in blue jeans and flannel shirt
Bandana on my head
I'd hide behind you until dark
Playing "Hike & seek"
"Giant steps" & "Kick the can"
"Mother, may I?" and "Peek".

You were always there for me
While others left for school
Daddy said they went there
To learn the golden rule.
You stayed behind & watched me play
My wagon filled with dirt
And when I fell, you never laughed
You KNEW that I'd been hurt!

Sometimes I knew that you were cold
With snow your only cover
And when the sun melted the ice
You held the clothesline for my mother.
Old house, with all your lovely windows
Dad said that you could see
And though I was just five years old
I knew he was teasing me.

You watched me as I learned to walk
And when I learned to skate
You cried when I fell off our horse
And when I began to date.
You let me share with you
All of my secret fears
And I confess, I leaned on you
Through-out my teenaged years.

Now we've grown up, you & I
You wear a brand new coat
And though I live so far away
I know without a doubt---
You'll be there for me always
My youth is in your seams
And I'll love you FOREVER
If only in my dreams!

(written year 2000)