When the sun was sizzling hot
Down a well-worn narrow trail
To an almost 'hallowed' spot.
To get a drink of water sweet
And clear as a tinkling bell.
The place where good friends loved to meet
Down by the old dug well.
With water as cold as the winter's dew
And as fresh as summer's rain
Weary travelers, travelers passin through
Would drink again and again.
It kept our milk and butter cool
As temperature would tell,
Hanging down inside the pool
Of the old dug well.
It served us well in so many ways,
And never once ran dry.
When I thought of returning there someday It would bring a tear to my eye.
But those days are past and gone,
And few recall, to tell
Of Water as fresh as morning's dawn
From the old dug well.
I went back to the old homestead;
And in the chain on a rusty link,
There hanging was a sign which read:
'Polluted, Do Not Drink.'
by L.E. Ashley