Shadows Of The Past

Spanish moss blowing in the wind as it hangs from spectral limbs,

reaching out in evenings failing light,

all encompassing ambience of the night's arrival,

calls to mind how the shadows of my past
and the future of my grandchildren are entertwined.

Somewhere in the middle am I,

remembering the stories of my heritage

and watching the future of my progeny

form before my aging eyes.

My grandchildren play amongst these trees,

swim in these waters.

They never give a thought to the shadows of their past.

But, I remember...

Pretty country girl

Girl of beauty

Beautiful City

City of Prague.

Praha, City of Dreams

Dreaming of her love

Loving every minute

Minutes grow to hours

Hours spent hoping

Hopes soon to be

Being alive

Alive and waiting

Waiting at Wenceslaus Square.

Soldier--strong, young
Youth is promise
Promise of things to come
Coming across the bridge
Bridge across the Moldau
Moldau, river of my life
Life with Mary
Mary my love
Love will lead the way
Way to a new world
Worlds across the ocean
Oceans of desires
Desire at Wenceslas Square.

Coal mine in Missouri
Missouri far away
Away from Prague
Praha, City of Dreams
Dreams that died
Died in the coal mines
Miners with black faces
Faces with dead hopes
Hopes of good things
Things never to be
Be strong, work for the children
Children of my love
Love of Mary
Mary, pretty country girl.

Photo: Florida play area of my grandchildren