A friend of mine posted some photos on Facebook of beautiful front porches… and what’s a front porch without a swing? It reminded me of this poem.
The Front Porch Swing
The reward for a day
Of hard work or hard play,
As the night creatures begin to sing,
I escape to the front porch swing.
Lightening bugs aimlessly dotting the night,
I smile as the children
squeal with delight,
As they chase the elusive whispers of light,
knowing, I’ve done the very same thing.
No other tonic,
no drug or no pill,
can soothe the soul like a porch swing will.
Sitting alone in the cool night air,
somehow begins to calm the cares,
that have worried me most of the day.
But a swing is for more
than worry or pain.
Memories,
far more,
than I could ever
explain…
In days gone by, to sit with a date,
on Mama’s porch swing
and patiently wait,
for that stolen kiss
oh what a thrill.
No, nothing makes memories
like a porch swing will.
I’ve sat many times
with my mother-in-law
After working together
or not working at all,
enjoying the time, just having a ball.
Yes, a swing does a lot for a friendship.
Whether breaking beans,
Or folding clothes,
I’d rather be sitting
(The Good Lord Knows)
On the front porch swing when the chores are done,
Than anywhere else under the sun.
I’ve come to my swing
as a mother-to-be,
And felt my babies kicking me,
I’ve marveled at their tenacity,
and the miracle about to unfold.
Then later as I held them to my breast
I would gently swing
Almost holding my breath.
And with each child, it was still the same,
A sense of wonder and awe.
In this swing
I’ve kissed many hurts,
I’ve wiped many tears,
I’ve said many prayers,
I’ve calmed many fears.
I’ve watched the rain gently soaking the land,
I’ve watched my reflection
in a gold wedding band.
So, with my first cup of coffee,
in the morning light,
or holding hands with my husband \
in the cool of the night,
No place on earth can the joy bring,
like the memories I’ve made on a front porch swing.
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Newman Valley 