Back Then

I remember the day, my grandpa went away.

And my grandma kissed him

I heard her say –

Oh Jim I love you

With all my heart

You know we’ll never part.

Now strangers walk the ground,

Where church was held.

They’ll never know,

Just how that boy felt.

If anyone heard me say

If I had the chance

I’d kneel down and pray.

And I’d kiss the ground you walk today.

And lord I’d call out your name.

Now you know I’m just a hillbilly

In my blood.

And I wouldn’t change a thing if I could.

Sometimes I recall that day back then.

And I never expected to see it again.

Long Dale Harper 08/13/1996

Dear Annie,

I sat up after midnight,

So I would know it was your birthday.

This is all I have, baby.

My pen and my memory.