The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1903-08-21
Old Home Day.

Il OllONiLS ID lhC poCu iCoN ~ -hi %
da Simpson Sherwood of Three Oaks,
riday afternoon:
Old Home Day.
You have hidden US here for an old home day
And We oyfully heed the call.
We eagerly come from far and near
And answer your smiles of hearty cheer
While our hearts respond as we gladly hear
Your welcoming words for all
The naples whisper in every leaf
welcome low and sweet,
And they stretch their arms for a cool embrace
As we bare our brows and slacken pace
On the heckered sunshne's patterned lace,
On the old familiar street.
The birds remember their old-time friends
Who have gathered here to-day
Who says that the robin does not know
or the bluebird swaying to and froi
Their songs are the same as of long ago,
When life was young and gay.
The flowers all lift their fragrant heads
Forjoy at our coming here.
The asters bright and the golden rod
Have greeted us with a friendly nod
BY the paths where our youthful feet have trod
And rejoice that we are near.
The river still wearing placid face
Seems TO half conceal a smile
At the thought of runaway boys from school,
OF sly boat rides in the evening cool,
or the lovers tales never made by rule,
She has heard for many mile
And SO with welcome from bird and flower
From lake and wood and stream,
Wen Danish all thoughts Of toll and care
And fill our souls with the beauty rare,
While we build strange castles in the air,
And live in a happy dream.
No longer we're doctor or squire or Judge,
Madam, mistress or dame,
But Iule and Charlie and Ed. and lay
Dollie and Lette and Addie and May
For again we are boys and girls they say,
As we play at this youthful game.
And wei revel in dear familiar scenes
From dawn TO the setting sun.
The names NAV change. but wei not mistake
We still remember our Four Mile lake,
And out TO Pugsley's our way wen take
For picnic frolic and fun.
But stay, would you make this day complete
With it's wealth of varied charms?
Then take US each as in days of yore
With mother there in the open door
With outstretched, welcoming arms.
And father, too, must be standing near,
With hearty grasp Of the hand,
And brothers and sisters must all come in
When chatter and laughter and song begin,
Till the house is filed with the merry din
From the happy, rollickng band,
Then gather ms all around the board
For feast in the old time ways,
With the zest of youth let us all partake
Ofthe bread, the doughnuts, the pies, the cake,
Such as mother alone could make
In the old home hearty days.
Then 20 to the school house stately and high
That the naples almost hide,
And ring the bell so loud and clear
That the pupils the world around may hear,
Bid their tardy feet be hurrying near
While the door stands open wide.
And ring for the absent teachers too,
Bid them all come back to-day.
Ring louder still till you wake from sleep
One wrapped in slumber long and deep
For the children would grieve if ought should
keep
Their dear Miss Kate away.
But an you say that we ask IN vain,
That change marks all the way,
That only in dreams may we ever see
The home, the school as il used 70 be.
That change has been following you and me
And marked us for its prey.
And this going back to our youthful days
Is but game al best,
But this dear old place we glad to greet,
For we love these haunts of our youthful feet,
And wei cherish still our memories sweet,
And trust God for the rest.
And Wen dream Of another ola home aty,
on fairer, happier shore,
Where love and Joy will ever abide.
Where dreams unto full fruition glide.
And our longing hearts shall be satisfied.
AT home forever more.