Withered old and gray

I’ve closed my eyes

While the suburbs turn violent

In dismay

I sold lock stock and barrel

All except for the key to home

I smiled before leaving

Waved good-byes to my old neighbors

Like an old cow

I climbed in my nephew’s car

Into the sunset I replied

Take me home

The ride was so peaceful

Enjoyable

I knew in a few hours

I would feel like a little girl again

I only wish when I turn the key

My folks would still be there

Then they are still there in spirit

The ride up the mountain

Not frighten me a bit

Even though

The last time I went down this mountain

It was in an old truck

Back in the early 40's

I was a new bride

Heading with my husband

To the big city

Awe’ over there

Look I said to my nephew

The sun is fading into the mountain

Just over yonder is the cabin

He turned the ben

There in the front yard

Were faces waiting to greet me

Family, friends and folks

I had not seen in years

My old heart rejoiced being home

I smiled standing there staring at the old cabin

I felt Ma and Pa so close

Maybe smiling down from Heaven

Who knows?

I was like a spring chicken

Spry as a fiddle

Wanting to help feed everyone

The women’s folk refuse to let me do a thing

This shindig is for you said my second cousin

The men’s folk were gathering instruments

Over by the old wood pile

The fiddles and banjos

You could hear their echo down the mountain

A tear in my eye

Fall down my cheek in happiness

For

I knew I was home

Safe still loved

Where others would always look in on me

The women’s folk were dancing

The men’s folk stomping

Into the evening

My nephew took me by the arm

Walking me to the cabin door

You’re home Auntie

Now turn the key

I open the door

Speechless I stood there

Just looking it over

I told my nephew

I believe Ma has been here

He laughed I followed in a giggle

The house was still the very same

As the day I left

Not one thing out of place

Not so much as a speck of dust

The kin folk

Really watched over the place I thought

My nephew was amazed

Looking at the old enamel stove in the kitchen

That was your Grandma’s baby I said

The hours she spent over that stove

I can smell the chicken cooking said Auntie

Gravy and mash potatoes a city man would die for

Come with me said Auntie

I have a special room to show you

She opens the door

There were an old crib and a chair

This was your Daddy’s room son

That chair there

Ma would hold him tight

Singing old mountain lullabies till he fell asleep

The pictures on the wall are all family

Old mountain folk

My nephew asks if I was sure

This be the place I wanted to be

I smiled and replied O’ yes

Someday I told him

You will carry me in a box

Over yonder to the old grave yard

It is there

My old soul is meant to be

I showed him the old family Bible

You are the last entry in the family Bible

When the good Lord comes to take me

The key to the front door will be here

Waiting for you

For

Someday you just like me

Shall come home?

You will turn the key

Copyright 2008