Of a time that youths helped
with all the chores and work
hoeing corn, cutting bull weeds for stock feed
when the cistern was low
hauling wash water down from the spring
bailing hay and picking up pecans
moving the cattle from pasture to pasture
riding horses up to Mr. Tom�s
to have them shod.
After work was done
taking a bath in the wash house
in cold well water in a number 3 tub
then walking the hot dusty road
hoping for a ride from the next car along
as it would probably be kin
or at least a friend
to Jones�s Store or Pleasant Hill
for a square dance or church
take a ride in a wagon pulled by a team
to a Brush Arbor Meeting
and hear Miss Mellie preach and sing.
When horses, cars, and farms
were bought and sold
on a hand shake and a honest man�s word
for his word was good as gold
bets and bills were won and lost
at Hae�s gas station
based on which Coke bottle
had traveled the most.
When all decent adults were titled royalty
Cousin Will, Aunt Pearl, Uncle Herbert,
Ms. Tish, or Mr. Euen.
Where I am from? In my mind, heart, and soul
I�m from between the Rivers of Long Ago.
�2003, Glenn Cothran
This poem may not be reprinted or reposted without written permission.
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Between the Rivers of long ago
no tv's nor moving picture show
times and people were rough and tough
but folks knew how to have fun, sure 'nuff
Grandpa would pick a Saturday night
that the moon was to be big and bright
word would be sent to neighbors and friends
of a very special invite to come on in
Come and have some family fun
please don't bring your guns
no knives or liquor allowed
for this is a family event vowed
The yard had to be raked and swept
the porch chairs all neatly kept
fresh water enough was drawn
with ice to last all night long
Grandma would bake a coconut cake
it wouldn't matter how much time it'd take
and her special chocolate cream pie
the very best I ever ate now that's no lie
Folks would start to gather in
friends, neighbors and all the kin
the women would bring their special treats
so everyone would get a bite so sweet
Grandpa would get out his fiddle and bow
for now we are going to have a real show
Mr. Jess would bring his banjo down
and they would play some tune heard in town
Grandpa and George would make their fiddles ring
Hobert, Gaylon and Howell would pick and sing
Daddy would play his old French harp
make it sound like a fox hound's bark
They would play tunes both old and new
and some that was heard on the Opry too
Different folks would take a turn
picking, singing and having fun
some would be dancing around
as children slept on pallets on the ground
As the night drew long
and the dew settled on the lawn
folks would start to leave for home
as everyone had to be home 'fore dawn
Another old time Saturday night
not a cross word nor a fight
a good time was had by all
just a good old-time country ball
�2003, Glenn Cothran
This poem may not be reprinted or reposted without written permission.
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