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