Wednesday, March 13, 2013
song-lyrics
GOING NORTH FOR CHRISTMAS
She took us kids
aboard that train,
And we escaped the pain.
She left our Dad
and his big car at the station.
We traveled 'cross the nation.
*
Then way up north,
Then way up north,
snow halfway to his knees,
Our smiling Uncle,
dangling his keys,
Told us kids,
"I'll take you home,"
And to her, "C'mon,
I'll drive you home.
"I'll take you home."
*
My Mother's smile
was bright that night.
Her eyes just shined
in the Christmas lights,
As her gentle Brother
set things right.
"C'mon, we're goin home.
We're goin home."
*
Grandma smiling
by the Creche of the Nativity,
Grandpa plugging in
the dazzling Christmas tree,
Then reaching out
his rugged arms to me:
"Finally, you're home!
Thank God!" he said to me.
*
I had a new teacher
that December
In the village
red-brick school.
Grandpa'd drop me off there,
I remember,
With a fifty-cent piece,
as a rule.
*
When I'd walk home,
I'd stop at Mom's office.
At the malt shop, 'cross the street,
She'd have her coffee,
I'd get a coke,
and fries to eat.
Then I'd skip home.
I'd go skipping,
Running home!
*
I'd help Grandma
make a cake.
Tomorrow my birthday!
I'd be eight.
Presents!
I could hardly wait.
I went running
all the way home.
*
Grandma sifting flour
and creaming butter,
Putting in vanilla,
eggs, milk, and sugar.
I'd whip it into
a foaming batter.
Her kitchen smelled so good!
Yes, this is home!
*
Christmastime,
we were off all week.
We played
and played in the snow.
When Grandma
called us in to eat --
We were home!
More than we'd know.
*
Then Christmas Day!
Presents by the tree!
Oh, my God!
All this for me!
Such Christmas Day
Such Christmas Day
festivity!
This would always
be home to me.
We were really home.
*
Christmas Dinner,
turkey, mashed potatoes,
Our folks all gathered
at the dining table,
Everyone laughing!
Pie and cocoa later!
My Mother,
cheerful as she was able,
Finally happily at home,
Her happy home.
*
I'll never forget
that snow-bedecked December.
I'll always think
of my folks, and I'll remember
What Grandpa said
the night he welcomed me,
"Finally, you're home!
Thank God! You're home."
