Childhood memories how they linger
And lay so sweet in this memory of mine
As I take them out now and then
I let them take me back to that time

We didn't get toys, just at Christmas time
If it was that dad had made a good crop
And if it was a lean year and money was tight
There would be no toys from the shop

Most folks were the same as us
So I didn't feel underprivileged, or poor
And I don't remember ever being ashamed
Cause we didn't have things from the store

We loved when the summers came
And we were out of school for awhile
Even though we had to work the fields
Come evening time we were all smiles

After our baths in a number 3 tub
We'd go out to play and chase lighten bugs too
We loved to play hide and go seek
Those simple things were such fun to do

We sneaked out to the barn many evenings
Just about time for the sun to go down
And we'd climb up into the loft and jump
Never giving a thought to that old hard ground

And while we were out there
We'd chase and catch a young calf
And dare each other to jump on him
When we'd fall off, oh how we'd laugh

When cousins and family would come to visit
We'd have enough kids to make a ball team
I remember once I slung the bat so hard
I hit my cousin, and oh how he did scream

Yes times were hard back then
As far as having things money could buy
But the sweet memories I have of then
Is something I'll have till I die

Melva Feb. 24 2009

Photo: This beautiful old barn in Hew Hope, Virginia here in the Shenandoah Valley, one of numerous beautiful old barns throught the valley, has had serious damage this winter from the high winds and storms. I doubt it can be saved and will most likely be torn down.