Grandparents' Farm Poetry

"Memories"
by Laura Rae Becherer
for Grandma and Grandpa Zentner, Anniversary

The long forgotten days of old
Lying dusty in a memory cold:
The dances of a young girl
With stockings of lace and earrings of pearl;
The formal bow of a young man
As he reaches to take the young lady's hand;
The laughing shriek of the first sweet child
Playing out in a day so mild;
The sound of three darlings' capering delight
When Mother brings home ice-cream to-night;
The sound of the gentle, swaying breeze
As it flutters the oak tree leaves;
The cows bellowing softly in the barn
And the sight of a pair of socks to darn;
The owl softly hooting adieu
While the pigeons gently, gently coo;
And the bats arising to take flight
While Father bids the animals good-night;
The silky touch of the pussy willow
And the gouldon clouds like fluffy pillows;
The sun sinking beneath the darkened hills
And the creaking of the old wind mill;
The sapphire Heavens smoothed by God's quiet Hand
As He lovingly tucks in His land;
Such sweet, sweet delights are these --
The comfort of old memories.

"Unforgotten"
by Laura Rae Becherer
for Grandma Walmer, Birthday 2003

Another year has come and gone
But unforgotten be the heart's song:
The rooster's early morning cry,
The faint streaks of light across the sky;
The twitter of the robin red-breast,
The wake-up call, "Mother knows best!"
The coffee all piping hot and steaming,
The youngest child still gently dreaming;
The sleepy mooing of the gentle cow,
The snuffling of the mother sow;
Dew drops upon blades of grass so green,
And gently clinging to the window screen;
A pie cooling upon the windowsill,
And a bird in a tree letting out a trill;
The clucking of the pecking hens,
And the geese honking in their pens;
The kittens tumbling about the shed,
And chores waiting for sleepy-heads;
The stillness of a brand new day,
The sweet scent of fresh spread hay;
The breeze gently rustling leaves,
And the swaying branches of the trees;
The sun beaming upon the farm,
With all it's chatter, noise, and charm;
God smiling serenely upon the scene,
Peaceful and hazy, the perfect daydream;
The shout of Father going to milk,
And Mother's soft touch, as smooth as silk;
Aye, 'tis true another year be gone,
But unforgotten remains thy heart- song.