And listen to the wood thrush
When I ketch time to dream.

Sometimes I feel so happy
As I hoe the sproutin' corn;
To hear, far off upon the ridge,
The call of Paw's cow horn.
Then I know it's time for milkin'
And my long day's work is through,
And I kin sit upon the stoop
And make my dreams come true.

I'll dream me a wish fer a shiney new hoe,
And some dishes, an ax and a saw:
And a calico shroud with a ribbon and bow
And a new houn' dawg fer Paw.

--John W. Preble, Jr.

WOMAN'S WAY

You like this Circle Star quilt, Miss, you say:
I have a favorance for this Flower Bed bright and fair;
I made it when my heart was light and gay.
Like me, it's much the worse for time and wear.
I used it first upon my marriage bed--
And last, when Thomas, my poor man, lay dead.

This Nine Patch that is spread across my bed,
My Emmy made it in her thirteenth year;
I meant for her to claim it when she wed--
Excuse me, Miss, I couldn't help that tear.
She sewed her wedding dress so fine and proud--
Before the day, we used it for her shroud.

That Double Wedding Ring? poor Granny Day,
Before I married Tom, made that for me.
A thrifty wife, I used to hear her say,
Has kiverlids that all who come may see.
She rests there on the knoll f'nenst the rise--
The little grave is where my youngest lies.

Dove at the Window was my mother's make,
Toad in a Puddle is the oldest one,
Old Maid's Ramble and The Lady of the Lake
I made for Ned, my oldest son.
Hearts and Gizzards make me think of Grandpap Day.
"Like Joseph's coat of many colors, Ma," he'd say.

The Snow Ball and the Rose are sister's make,
She lived in Lost Hope Hollow acrost yon hill,
Poor Jane, she might have had her pick of beaux,
She sits alone because it was her will.
A wife she never would consent to be,
For Jane, she loved the man that favored me.

--Martha Creech

MOUNTAIN SINGERS