Shine under the bed
shotgun by the door
dogs on the porch
life was hard
to understand.
Church on Sunday
preacher dropped by
every Monday evening
to wet his appetite
and count the offering plate.
Gospel in the holler and hills
tracks of coal dust in the house
black lung poached nearby
a single cough meant death
was near by along with
harsh winter nights
but chicks stayed warm
under the belly stove.
Two-room schoolhouse
team of horses, sleigh
never missed a school day
nor was there a snow day
to play or pray.
Life was hard to understand
as a child
but I miss those times spent with
Uncle Moses and friends.
