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Susan K. Rowse

Memories 4 Sale

Taking the back roads just for the ride
A day made for living with a robin's egg sky
Towns of old signs with vegetable faires
Boiled peanuts, tomatoes, okra and pears
Tiny wee wagons left all to rust
Caned chairs and rockers...old signs a must
Canvases torn and leaks when it rains
Pitbulls secured with long silver chains
Aromas wafting of fresh baked bread
Smiles on the wee ones with tow headed hair
Some missing teeth from growing spurts
Others with freckles, laughs til they hurt
Jeans and glass marbles with knees bent double
Out here the kids don't cause much trouble
Red cheeked and honest...whistling is rare
In cities when kids grunt rapping instead
There on a corner a sign with one nail
Big deal today...Memories 4 Sale
Here is a doll with a broken arm
A small riding tractor from a repossessed farm
Beautiful chest with initials inscribed
Somebody's treasure, I smiled...then I cried
Country America reliving the times
In memories saved, polished and shined
City folk miss what smiles can produce
When sharing a cookie or fresh apple juice
Out in the towns where America gives
Not in the cities where lonliness lives
Buying an old quilt or rusted milk pail
Enjoying the country with Memories 4 Sale.