My Memories of Down South
By Glenn Collins
May 14, 2010
Although my memories are only a few, I am thinking of them as I often do.
I was a young boy and these memories have always brought me much joy.
Time is so precious and we always wish for more,
But sometimes it’s our family that we seem to ignore.
Most of you live so far away, but that shouldn’t be a problem with the technology today.
It’s been a long time for me and I hope you will see
How much Pound and my family means to me.
The first trip I remember was in late September.
I was on my way to see Alfred and Ella Mae.
We rode in the back of a pickup truck that had a camper top.
We were told not to drink too much, because we would not be making many stops.
The truck was dependable but made lots of sounds
But I didn’t care I was heading to Pound.
The truck was old and its bed was lumpy and
Some of those Virginia roads sure were bumpy.
When I saw Alfred and Ella Mae,
I looked at them but I didn’t know what to say.
I knew they were kind and willing to share
And gave me the impression that they were a perfect pair.
They had so many children I’ll start at the top
With a man named Giles that I call Pop.
Next is Janice, then Betty Sue,
But I’m not even close to being through.
Next there is Vicky and Kathy Gail,
As I continue with this list that is mostly female.
Then it’s Ginger and Ricky,
Now this is getting a little more tricky.
The next three in the Collins clan
Are Teresa, Joey and Diane.
Then there is the youngest one,
He happens to be a son.
I am trying to be clever but instead,
I’ll just tell you its Winfred.
Ten aunts and uncles for me to see
And the last I one mentioned is the same age as me.
I remember the house where I slept so sound
And the kitchen where I’d always hang around.
The biscuits where fresh and hot out of the oven,
I knew Grandma made them with lots of loven’.
I remember the breakfast even to this day,
My favorite was the gravy made the southern way.
Lots on the table for use to eat and
Everyone could always find a seat.
Grandma always made me feel very special during my stay,
I could tell that was not hard for her, that was just her way.
She would ask me each and every night if I needed anything and If was alright.
She spoiled me with lots of love and let me stay up late.
She was always helping all of us; she was really great.
She was busy with everyone giving constant care
And yet she always made the time she needed for her prayer.
She made me feel loved and treated me right
And for that reason I am inspired to write.
I remember my Grandpa sitting in his chair -
And I wanted to talk to him, but mostly I would stare.
He talked about lots of things but mostly how life was down there.
I looked up to him as he sat in his recliner
As he talked to me about him being a coal miner
I had heard that mining was an honorable job
And that swinging their picks made their fingers throb.
Back breaking work for a man from the holler,
Who did all of this just to earn a dollar.
As I learned about my Grandpa and I took it all in,
I thought to myself I’m proud to be his kin.
My grandparent’s house was a comforting place
And it’s where the family would always meet.
Nothing could keep this family down they just didn’t believe in defeat.
Times were tough and money was tight
But they had each other to make their futures bright.
Their bond was strong and so many times they would turn to song.
They learned from their mother to always care for and love one another.
Nothing could keep them apart they always kept each other so very close to their heart.
The last day there I said my goodbyes as I set out to leave the County known as Wise.
Leaving my family who lived so far away,
I didn’t want to go, I wanted to stay.
The ride home was long and I was sad,
So I just kept thinking about how much fun I’d had.
I’d miss my Virginia family, they sure were great
And I never knew when I’d make it back to their State.
By Glenn Collins
May 14, 2010
Although my memories are only a few, I am thinking of them as I often do.
I was a young boy and these memories have always brought me much joy.
Time is so precious and we always wish for more,
But sometimes it’s our family that we seem to ignore.
Most of you live so far away, but that shouldn’t be a problem with the technology today.
It’s been a long time for me and I hope you will see
How much Pound and my family means to me.
The first trip I remember was in late September.
I was on my way to see Alfred and Ella Mae.
We rode in the back of a pickup truck that had a camper top.
We were told not to drink too much, because we would not be making many stops.
The truck was dependable but made lots of sounds
But I didn’t care I was heading to Pound.
The truck was old and its bed was lumpy and
Some of those Virginia roads sure were bumpy.
When I saw Alfred and Ella Mae,
I looked at them but I didn’t know what to say.
I knew they were kind and willing to share
And gave me the impression that they were a perfect pair.
They had so many children I’ll start at the top
With a man named Giles that I call Pop.
Next is Janice, then Betty Sue,
But I’m not even close to being through.
Next there is Vicky and Kathy Gail,
As I continue with this list that is mostly female.
Then it’s Ginger and Ricky,
Now this is getting a little more tricky.
The next three in the Collins clan
Are Teresa, Joey and Diane.
Then there is the youngest one,
He happens to be a son.
I am trying to be clever but instead,
I’ll just tell you its Winfred.
Ten aunts and uncles for me to see
And the last I one mentioned is the same age as me.
I remember the house where I slept so sound
And the kitchen where I’d always hang around.
The biscuits where fresh and hot out of the oven,
I knew Grandma made them with lots of loven’.
I remember the breakfast even to this day,
My favorite was the gravy made the southern way.
Lots on the table for use to eat and
Everyone could always find a seat.
Grandma always made me feel very special during my stay,
I could tell that was not hard for her, that was just her way.
She would ask me each and every night if I needed anything and If was alright.
She spoiled me with lots of love and let me stay up late.
She was always helping all of us; she was really great.
She was busy with everyone giving constant care
And yet she always made the time she needed for her prayer.
She made me feel loved and treated me right
And for that reason I am inspired to write.
I remember my Grandpa sitting in his chair -
And I wanted to talk to him, but mostly I would stare.
He talked about lots of things but mostly how life was down there.
I looked up to him as he sat in his recliner
As he talked to me about him being a coal miner
I had heard that mining was an honorable job
And that swinging their picks made their fingers throb.
Back breaking work for a man from the holler,
Who did all of this just to earn a dollar.
As I learned about my Grandpa and I took it all in,
I thought to myself I’m proud to be his kin.
My grandparent’s house was a comforting place
And it’s where the family would always meet.
Nothing could keep this family down they just didn’t believe in defeat.
Times were tough and money was tight
But they had each other to make their futures bright.
Their bond was strong and so many times they would turn to song.
They learned from their mother to always care for and love one another.
Nothing could keep them apart they always kept each other so very close to their heart.
The last day there I said my goodbyes as I set out to leave the County known as Wise.
Leaving my family who lived so far away,
I didn’t want to go, I wanted to stay.
The ride home was long and I was sad,
So I just kept thinking about how much fun I’d had.
I’d miss my Virginia family, they sure were great
And I never knew when I’d make it back to their State.
