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November 09, 2005
When the Frost is on the pumpkin.....
......then it's time for ....
Well, never mind. Let's just say my father had a recitation at the ready for any occasion and they weren't always appropriate for polite company. To be fair to the man, he could also recite Frost, Longfellow and a few other school days poets as I recall but it was the limericks and jaunty little rhymes I remember most. Snort, must be that naughty twinkle in his eye as he recited them that captured my attention. He could sing too, at least I thought so. I remember many a car ride with his singing some old song and again some of them not so much for today's Society..Old Black Joe comes to mind as well as a few others...hhhmmm..I think of them as Southern plantation type songs but since the man was born and raised in New England, it's a bit of a mystery.
Ok, I love the internet...Old Black Joe was written by Stephen Foster in 1860. I do know our schools were brimming with Stephen Foster songs in music class at one time. Somehow I don't see that happening today. (see the lyrics to Old Black Joe in the extended text.)
Anyway.....the frost, the pumpkins, the ditty, my father, the singing. I feel a sudden longing for Ginger Snaps or Molasses cookies.
Make yourself a fine day all.......
Gone are the days
When my heart was young and gay.
Gone are my friends
From the cotton fields away.
Gone from this place,
To a better land I know.
I hear their gentle voices calling:
Old Black Joe
Chorus:
I'm coming, I'm coming
For my head is bending low
I hear their gentle voices calling
Old Black Joe.
Why do I weep
When my heart should feel no pain
Why do I sigh
That my friends come not again
Grieving for forms
Now departed long ago
I hear their gentle voices calling:
Old Black Joe.
Chorus:
Where are the hearts
Once so happy and so free
The children so dear
That I held upon my knee
Gone to the shore
Where my soul has longed to go
I hear their gentle voices calling:
Old Black Joe.
Chorus:
Posted by frani at November 9, 2005 08:26 AM
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