art by Joy Evans

Grandpa's House

So many years have passed it seems
But the memories stay with me,
When Mom would put us on a train
And my Grandpa we'd go see.

A tiny house, with picket fence,
And flowers smelling sweet
And chickens squawking in the back
Watch out where you put your feet!

Grandma baked a homemade cake
And frosted it with jam,
She wrung a chickens little neck
And fried it in a pan.

That's the way they did it then
I'm glad that I live now,
Cause if they wanted steak
How in the world did they kill the cow?

We'd gather eggs for breakfast
And that I didn't mind,
You just shoved the chicken off the nest
And lots of eggs you'd find.

"Ham with your eggs?" she would ask,
"Oh no!" would I reply,
My imagination running wild I'd say,
"Please, leave the pig in the sty!"

~ Charlotte Anselmo ~

The following was often recited by my grandfather, 
William Masters.

When I Am Big

When I'm a man I mean to buy
A dozen plates of pumpkin pie
A barrel of nuts to have them handy
And fifty pounds of sugar candy

When I'm a man I mean to wear
A long tail coat and crop my hair
Take the paper and read the news
And sit up late whenever I choose.

~ Mary Mapes Dodge ~

and I answered...

When I'm A Woman

When I'm a woman I mean to buy
A bright red lipstick that I can try
A flowing gown of silk and lace
And soft pink powder for my face.

When I'm a woman I mean to meet
A handsome fellow who is so sweet
Rich and charming he shall be
And live happily after, him and me. 

~ Charlotte Anselmo ~

oink...pass me on please!