Her Corner Of The World

She came from humble beginnings

A place she grew, learned and loved so

Across many mountains, hills and valleys

There was nary a trail she never came to know

Where a simple, little home became a mansion

And laughter sounds a stronger note than tears

Still holds their rhythm in the scheme of life

In the wind’s sweet insistence from yesteryears

How many childhood days did she play and run

So happy and carefree through those ancient fields

Feeling the wind and rain brushing against her face

So many praises rise above for the joy it still yields

When she closes her eyes she can still see it clear

And hear the humming of the little, honey bees

Under crab apple trees that still bloom in the spring

She faintly smells the perfumed, petal rippling breeze

And the gathering of family around the fire at night

So many cherished memories still fresh in her mind

A father telling his life stories to each of his young

A mother sewing on quilts, a sure legacy left behind

An old oil lamp sits in the window, guiding her path

Leading her onward to that little mansion home

Where the door is open and the light shines bright

She steps inside to a welcome, the best she’s known

Those familiar voices she hears are music to her ears

Gathered around the table, giving blessings galore

The simple, little things in life, are the best of wealth

Even a bowl of milk and bread is worth so much more

Many seasons have come and gone in yesterday’s wind

The memories will always be close beside all of her days

For the pleasures of this world is found only in the heart

Perhaps across some shadowy valley or ridge, in joyful ways

And when she is bearing a load up some steep hillside

Familiar echoes are there, pulling her homeward bound

The cool, mountain air upon her face is still just as fresh

Yet still the earth beneath the paths lie packed and brown

A cool drink of water straight from a mountain spring

Where the mountain still hold its kingdom and crown

Crystal, clear waters flow from its downward sloping

Can quench a thirsty soul better than any to be found

She’ll never forget where she came and where she’s been

Or the many miles while spreading her wings to fly

Trying to find the end of a rainbow takes an eternity

But the gold lies within her heart underneath the same sky

In her corner of the world the mountains are her legacy

She never knows what lies beyond a hilltop but delight

For the things that cause memories to awaken her soul

She so yearns for, she shall sit down and write and write

© Susie Swanson, 2018

A Warrior

I have fought a hundred battles

In my mind I’ve seen it all

I have raised my gun against the enemy

And seen my comrades die and fall

I have carried the armor of courage

Always wanting to do my part

On land, sea, jungles and deserts

It will always lay heavy on my heart

For my brothers and sisters that have fallen

I will always remember them well

So much sacrifice, they gave their all

In that place we all called hell

Inside, the battles are still raging

In my mind I still see and hear

Mortals, shells and the enemy

In my sleep they still appear

Yet each day I try to carry on

Although I have cried many tears

If I had to do it over again

I would shed my coat of fears

And walk straight into battle

With my head held mighty high

For the freedom I fight hard for

 I am willing to lay down and die

I will always be a Warrior

Even after I am dead and gone

Please do not forsake me

Fly old Glory proud and strong

© Susie Swanson, 2018

I send my deepest gratitude to all Veterans

 May God Bless each one !!