The Old Country Store

She’s seen many a season come and go

That old country store was one of a kind

Those big welcome doors were always open

It was the place to go and buy on time

A watering hole for the community

Meeting up with the locals was a daily trend

They traded many stories and bartered too

A way of life they all came to depend

A weekly, anticipated trip to the that old store

To pick up supplies or pay on a bill

Was a pleasure that could never be denied

To everyone that came, it was certainly a big deal

 Wagons carried chickens, eggs and cream

That good homemade butter was the best of all

For a pound of coffee, sugar, a sack of flour

They were all in it for the long haul

Many rabbits came straight from the traps

In exchange for tobacco or a Christmas gift

Those big bolts of yard goods looked so good

To the women folks, their spirits did lift

Oh how those candy jars stood out the most

Sitting on the counter so large and tall

That array of penny candy sure looked tasty

Plenty of children would still recall

Or those big barrels sitting in the corner

Filled with pickles, potatoes or seed

With a little extra money in the pockets

A chance for some much needed chicken feed

That old pot bellied stove sitting in the middle

 Became a familiar sight for all to see

Always surrounded by plenty of chairs

And the famous spittoon and its popularity

And that old building acquired so many names

The local post office was in the back

Many jobs for the proprietor surely did grow

Even an undertaker, nothing did he lack

That weathered old building gave so much

A useful, old place where wonders never cease

Where skills became plentiful for pulling teeth

Or when the need arose, justice of the peace

The welcome sign was always there

From the time they entered till closing of day

 A busy, old place filled with warmth and cheer

Open Monday through Saturday, closed on Sunday

Now it sits empty and feels so all alone

Knowing things will never be like it was before

Where many came and went and the living was good

And anything could be found at the old country store

© Susie Swanson 2016