Sunday, March 2, 2014

Forever Near






It should not be so difficult to find
The long way back if we but turn
Down the little road we once trod
Across the fields where memories burn

We may find again that little home
Where a lonely cricket sings a song
The place we grew and loved so well
Our yearning hearts have missed so long

To watch the sun set over the horizon
While sitting in an old porch swing
Playing after dark on a summer’s night
The moon is more bright than anything

Running across those hills and hollows
The joy of swinging on an old grapevine
Landing in the middle of the cold creek
How can one really ever leave it behind

Playing outside on hot, summer days
Running barefoot till the first frost
These are the things on which to dwell
If once we stray or ever become lost

 Even those cold, winters we loved so
We found things to keep us occupied
To wake up in the morning to a big snow
Climbing those hills where we loved to slide

Feeling the warmth of that big fireplace
Was such a welcome time each night
Playing games on a homemade board
Enjoyment was never far from sight

That old homeplace we love so well
Where we learned and lived so carefree
Coming home to supper, can’t you just smell
The best food anywhere, you’ll have to agree

Around every corner, nook and bend
There is an echo left to be found
Of childhood days that were well spent
Every time our feet hit the ground

Yesterday’s light shines bright with pride
On timeless memories we hold so dear
If we would only hold them close beside
The past will forever be near 

© Susie Swanson, 2014

27 comments:

  1. Susie, all your poems show what a wonderful, happy childhood you had. Oh, if only today's children could have such memories.

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    1. Thank you so much Charlotte. I wish the same for all of them. It's sad!!

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  2. Your poem captures the mood of that beautiful photo so very well! Nicely done:)

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  3. such a gift to write like this. I admire you for it. Hugs and so well done. ox

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    1. Thank you so much Annette. That is so nice of you. Hugs to you, xo

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  4. This is so precious to me. Brings back so many priceless memories for me

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  5. This is lovely, Susie. This brought back some sweet memories for me too.

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  6. Hi, We are home from a wonderful trip to Arkansas with friends. Photos tomorrow!!!!!

    Hope you have had a great week. Love your poem.... In fact, I always love your poems. They speak to me!!!!!

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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    1. Thank you Betsy. So happy you made it back. I'm looking forward to them. Hugs, xo

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  7. This was so sweet! I love the title.
    Do you take all the photos yourself? If so, you are a very good photographer...I especially love those bluebirds on the side panel.
    My best friend is an excellent photographer and has won many awards at the county fair with her work...her style is a lot like yours.
    Love & ((hugs)) ~ Lisa

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    1. Thank you Lisa. No I don't take them myself. I've posted a few on here in the past that I took. I surely do wish I could take the credit. I would love to see some of her pics. Love and hugs to you, xo

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  8. Oh Susie, this poem has touched my heart so deeply! After reading it, I could just close my eyes and see my old childhood home and smell my Mom's banana bread baking and hear my brother playing his guitar and my Dad snoring as he napped on the couch on a lazy Saturday afternoon. How I wish I could see my old home place again too. You are an amazing writer Susie. I hope that you have been feeling better this week and have got your strength all back. It is so nice to have the bronchitis behind us now. Monday felt like my first real day back, with my normal energy level. I have been enjoying getting caught up on my house work and other projects. But I constantly have Tony's voice whispering in my ear saying: "Take it easy girl, don't overdo!" :) He knows me better than I know myself. It has been very cold here the last couple of days. It's not too bad until the wind blows then it chills down to the bone. I thought for sure we were going to get a little snow yesterday but it passed us by. I hope you have a lovely day ahead my friend, stay warm and until next time... With Love, Delisa ;)

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    1. Awe, thank you so much Delisa. You always say the sweetest words and I love your memories. They are so sweet and tender. I hope you have a lovely day as well. Hugs,xo

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  9. Susie, this poem is wonderful. You've done a wonderful job with the imagery and it reminded me so much of my homeplace. I can just see, feel, hear, and experience everything you've written so beautifully.

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  10. Susie, I swear some times your poems are my life. The barefoot till frost, I sure remember never wearing shoes in summer. Hope you are doing well. We are having snow at this very minute...it's not to last and will be warmer this weekend...so it will melt and spring will be so near. xoxo,Susie

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  11. Awe, thank you Susie. I'm glad you can relate. I hope the weather warms for you soon. Ya'll have sure had your fair share. Hugs, xo

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  13. What a lovely poem, Susie. I really miss the house that I grew up in at times. Fortunately, it's not far from where I live now, and I drive by it sometimes on my way to the church that is close by. There's just nothing like the house that we spent our childhood at......so many memories. I can see that you have a few of your own. How fun that you played games on a homemade board. And I remember playing til it was almost dark outside on those hot summer days.

    Yes, the best food anywhere, I do agree.

    Love,
    ~Sheri

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  14. There are many times I sit under yesterday's light viewing memories....beautiful piece

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  15. Hi Susie. I have the same great memories. Sometimes I think it would be nice to go back and relive them for just a day.

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  16. You have captured the spirit of memories in a beautiful way.

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