Poetry Directory

The Family

On four horses

Stepping light,

Rode three riders

In the early twilight.

Beneath an old pine tree

They stopped to make their bed,

Daddy builds a fire

To warm some beans and cornbread.

Mama’s tired hands

Caress daddy’s weathered face,

As her heart recalls the memories

Of an earlier time and place.

Where once rode two girls

There is now only one,

And mama still yearns

To hold her youngest one.

Daddy takes his cowboy hat

And throws it at mama’s head,

As their girl with a knowing smile

Looks for a private spot for her own bed.

Under the watchful eyes of an angel

The family soon finds sleep,

As the angel whirls and twirls

Dancing to a heavenly beat.

The laughing angel gives her mama

A soft kiss as she dreams,

Then she tugs on her sister’s hair

While her eyes hold a mischievous gleam.

With the early rising sun

The family soon rides on their way,

Four horses, three riders, and one angel

A family yesterday, tomorrow, and today.

Poem copyrighted © 2004 by Lydia Warner Miller

Web site copyrighted © 2005 by Lydia Warner Miller