The Long Day Eager children racing home From stern lessons taught at school By a teacher friend who dared To teach and chasten by the rule. Down a dusty road we trod On a hot September’s day, With the goldenrods in bloom And wild weeds along the way Neighbor children joined our trek As we shared leftover lunch, And the boys thought girl’s long hair Was made to pull—they laughed so much! Lessons were so hard to bear— ‘Rithmetic was such a task. We the teacher’s voice obeyed— Conquer or we’d stay after class. Wearing clothes washed nice and clean, Our mother sent us off to learn. Perspiration was the norm, With dirt and rips as we returned. Our clothing made from sacks for feed— A mother with her special touch Used ruffles, buttons, yards of trim, That kept us clothed in money’s crunch. School this day would special be Because the corn was being cut To sustain the Hereford cows That must live in winter’s clutch. The red silo was built yards high; In its youth was strong with pride, But winter’s blast had not been kind, As it bore the scars on its north side. And my mother could not sleep As she planned food for the men, Who brought wagons, mowers, knives, To help to get the rich corn in. Our taste buds jumped with sheer delight As we hoped that there might be Mother’s special kind of cake, Or a glass of fresh iced tea! And as we raced into the house, Each one hungry as could be, Looking, longing for remains Of the feast the men would leave. Disappointed We Were Not! As our Mother thoughtfully Put aside a special plate Just For Us—so bountifully! And I visualize a day— Tired from labors, we go home— To a banquet well prepared, To be with Him where we belong! Maxine Tolbert Trigleth
		PRECIOUS MEMORIES By THE GAITHERS