George M. Noblitt

THE HOMECOMING

 

The wagon slowly made a turn

Down the once familiar lane

Where as a child I'd frolicked

In fields of golden grain

 

Crossing over the Sweetwater Creek

On the old wooden bridge

We steadfast made our way

To the swayback on the ridge

 

Winding beside the clear blue lake

Where I swam as a boy

Then through the woods along the shore

And my heart fills with joy

 

There below is a sunbaked clearing

It's here 'Gods' wildflowers grow

The coolness of evening breezes

Mingle in the moonlight's glow

 

We move toward the old homeplace

Through the warm sandy loam

As promised many times in the past

Mama, I've come back home

 

Slowly the wagon comes to a stop

Beneath the ageless oak

Where as a young boy still not weaned

Pa and I often spoke

 

They lift me from the wagon bed

I'm placed upon the ground

The parson selects his final words

His voice the only sound

 

Often missed is the beauty of life

No longer is it mine

Mama, I've come home to rest

In my suit of yellow pine