Regretfully_I Can't

Sometimes long ago memories

Come forth in my mind

Those times our family gathered around a fire

Were moments of a special kind.

Grandpa was always telling us

Tales how far he walked to school

While grandma usually gave him looks

Like he was a silly old fool..

Then Mom telling Sister and Me

That it was dishwashing time

And Sister usually saying she'd wash if I'd dry

My smiling and saying that would be fine...

I still enjoy watching a wood fire burning

And listening to the crackling wood

While reliving those long ago times

I would love to visit again_if I could....

Regretfully_ I can't.....

Ralph L. Clark © 2000