SUMMER NIGHTS AT GRANDPA'S 

  Summer nights at Grandpa's—ain't they soft and still! Just the curtains rustlin' on the window-sill, And the wind a-blowin', warm and wet and sweet—   Smellin' like the meadows or the fields of wheat; Just the bullfrogs pipin' in amongst the grass, Where the water's shinin' like a lookin'-glass; Just a dog a-barkin' somewheres up along, So far off his yelpin' 's like a kind of song. Summer nights at Grandpa's—hear the crickets sing, And the water bubblin' down beside the spring; Hear the cattle chewin' fodder in the shed, And an owl a-hootin' high up overhead; Hear the "way-off noises," faint and awful far—   So mixed-up a feller do'n't know what they are—   But so sort er lazy that they seem ter keep Sayin' over 'n' over, "Sonny, go ter sleep."    Summer nights at Grandpa's—ain't it fun ter lay In the early mornin' when it's gettin' day—   When the sun is risin' and it's fresh and cool, And you 're feelin' happy coz there ain't no school?—   When you hear the crowin' as the rooster wakes, And you think of breakfast and the buckwheat cakes; Sleepin' in the city's too much fuss and noise; Summer nights at Grandpa's are the things for boys.  

 

     GRANDFATHER'S "SUMMER SWEETS" 

  Grandfather's "summer sweets" are ripe. Out on the gnarled old tree, Out where the robin redbreasts pipe, And buzzes the bumblebee; Swinging high on the bending bough, Scenting the lazy breeze, What is the gods' ambrosia now To apples of gold like these? Ruddy the blush of their maiden cheeks After the sunbeam's kiss—   Every quivering leaflet speaks, Telling a tale of bliss; Telling of dainties hung about, Each in a verdant wreath, Shimmering satin all without, Honey and cream beneath. Would ye haste to the banquet rare, Taste of the feast sublime?   Brush from the brow the lines of care, Scoff at the touch of Time? Come in the glow of the olden days, Come with a youthful face, Come through the old familiar ways, Up from the dear, old place. Barefoot, trip through the meadow lane, Laughing at bruise and scratch; Come, with your hands all rich with stain Fresh from the blackberry patch; Come where the orchard spreads its store And the breath of the clover greets; Quick! they are waiting you here once more,—     Grandfather's "summer sweets."    Grandfather's "summer sweets" are ripe, Out on the gnarled, old tree—   Out where the robin redbreasts pipe, And buzzes the bumblebee; Swinging high on 

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