Hi-ho Silver

He whispered in the pony's ear

and calmed the nervous beast.

He slid into the saddle

with a cowboy's practiced ease.

He spurred his mount, then shouted "Whoa!",

his countenance chagrined.

He leaned his body to the side and

slipped a quarter in.

A Grandma’s Wish

I have a little grandson-(at least I think I do.)

He has the biggest, brightest eyes-

(I guess they are still blue.)

He uses big important words-

By now he knows some more.

(I know I'd like to see him

running up to my front door!)

I guess his blond hair still is straight

And needs a little trim.

I guess by now that space filled up

Where that first tooth had been.

And those long jeans that dragged the floor

Are way past ankle high-

(I wish I could pick up the phone

and talk to him awhile.)

I see him in his desk at school,

Back straight, head held high.

I see him rise to say the pledge,

That twinkle in his eye.

I see him reading, writing, studying each day,

(I also picture him at recess-first one out to play.)

I wish that I could be the one

To meet his bus each day

Give him milk and cookies

Watch him wile his time away.

(I wish my grandson lived next door

and not so far away.)

Before He Came

Before he came...

the pond stood still, the kittens played

on my windowsill,

the doors stayed shut, the lamps burned low,

But that was some light years ago

... before he came.

Before he came the grass grew high,

the dog just moped and so did I.

There were no fries or chocolate pie

... before he came.

Before he came the stars were small,

and sleep o'er took the whippoorwill's call.

The fireflies' light seemed dim at night

... before he came.

Before he came...

the ball stayed lost and I forgot

what candy cost.

The ping pong table lay in dust,

Horseshoes hung on nails to rust;

And I forgot what made me cuss

...before he came.