IF ONLY...

IF ONLY….

If only I could pick a day

When I could return in time

I’d pick a day when laughter reigned

And my family was still all mine

A time before our marriages

Before any went their own way

A day when all were still alive

Before death stole anyone away

I’d pick a day

sunny and bright

When all in our world

was still all right

A time that all I worried about

Was what to do that day

When Mom and Dad kept us safe

While my sisters and I were at play

A time when maybe all we had

Was simple fare on the table

A time when Mom tucked us in bed

And read to us a fable

I’d visit my grandparents country store

And present my coupon find of the day

For whatever candy I chose

The coupon was just enough to pay

You see, my grandparents gave me

whatever candy I chose

And accepted my detergent coupon

as the payment in full

I could always buy candy with a coupon

and it was quite okay

That was truth as I knew it
 

That is… until we moved far away

I would choose a day

when I could see

All my favorite child shows

on TV

Mickey Mouse Club, Ding Dong School

Howdy Doody and Clarabelle playing the fool

Buffalo Bob, Sheri and her lamb

And Captain Kangaroo

To visit friends oh so dear

Roy Rogers, Dale Evans and Daniel Boone

Sky King, Annie Oakley and Gene Autry

Kukla, Fran and Ollie too

The Mouseketeers were my friends

I knew them all by name
 

It is sad to think it now

All old folks we became

I would pick a day

both sunny and cold

For I’ve been too hot

while growing old

I want to see

The sun so bright

Shine on the snow

So glittery white

And when the bright sun hides for the day

And the snow forms a brittle shell

I want to walk and hear the crunch

I have missed but remember so well

And as we come in the house

From a day so hard at play

I want to smell the baking smells

Mom made back in the day

You see my Mom baked from scratch

Cakes, pies and cookies

I still remember Dad’s eyes light up

When he was served the wonderful goodies

There were no easy buttons

Parents worked hand in hand

To love and guide their children

To grow into the best they can

Mom worked from early morning to night

She worked very hard, as I recall

Cooking, washing and cleaning

While giving her love to us all

While Dad worked hard at his job

To provide for us all

He had to leave our warm house daily

To work in that same harsh snow

So while life was so wonderful

For three young girls at play

My parents worked so very hard

I should not wish them back for even one day

If I were to be granted just one wish

I would wish to always remember

The days of my youth with family so loved

And that I never fall victim to Alzheimer’s



If only…

I can keep my memories

I will remember the love…

Always…


Darlene Cirinna
10/15/09


All rights reserved
Do not copy without permission