That Familar Road

That Familiar Road

Down that old familiar road,

Where changes seldom come;

Only the transfer of the seasons

And the setting of the sun.

Back in old Stephen’s County,

On those same asphalt roads,

A pumper’s truck still rolling,

Carrying that same old load.

With flat lands full of grasses,

And the rolling hills with trees;

The blackjack and the cedar,

As far as the eye can see.

Down that old familiar road,

Where the memories were born;

In the garden I see papa,

With his overalls so worn.

And mom is a calling,

Come in it’s supper time;

Down that old familiar road,

I’ve been there many time.

Larry Sparks

Remember

Remember

Remember me when times grow slow

As life wanes down and energy goes.

Remember me when strength fails

As age and health like a ship sails.

Remember all of our great times

A million memories crowd our minds.

Remember how we lit such fires

Such fervent passion never tires.

Remember Vickie we own the best

We have claimed real love, by life’s truest test.

Twenty years,

Me!

Heartfelt

Heartfelt

I love you in the morning

When all our world is new,

I love you in the evening

As sunset says the day’s through

I love you in the winter cold,

When we warm on loves embers;

And when the spring’s rains fall

I hold you and remember.

You taught my heart to love

And schooled my empty mind;

You gave my lips expression

With love, yes, love sublime.

Our eyes have wept together,

When the heart breaks into;

And catching each other’s tears

On a journey ‘til life is through.

Larry Sparks

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary!

Twenty years January twenty six,
We took our families and made a mix

We took our love in committed vow,
Twenty years later see where we are now.

Five wonderful girls took off the lids,
We count and find fifteen grandkids.

I love you now more than then,
I'd do it all over I'd marry you again.

Me!

Happy Anniverary Eve!

Dear Wife....

Happy Anniversary Eve!

As you eat your lunch and enjoy your day,

Though your poor nerves are each near frayed....

You'll rest in this truth as every blessed day,

You're in my thoughts for you I'll pray.

Take a breath, look around, you are here by His design,

Crisis, problems, in stress hourly, soon 3:37 p.m., you'll be fine!

Love you,

Me

The Sabbatical in the Ozarks

Vickie,

I have enjoyed the sabbatical with you so much.  I realize that your need was as dire as my own and undoubtedly your countenance revealed it.  Rest has been a key factor for us both.  An unapologetic afternoon nap was reward long overdue.
I have often heard you say, “I don’t know how you do it, keep going.” After I left to do a funeral or call back.  Well, the same I thought but didn’t say about you and your keeping on.  It is comforting to know that you are with me in the every endeavor, whether typing a poem, message or reminding me of an activity.  So, you are not paid but as on the farm, all at the eggs, drank the milk and enjoyed the harvest even if only one sat on the tractor.  Our farming is life in partnership.  There is no price tag on that nor salary needed.  It is now an always has been, “Our ministry”, and will be until journey closes.  Thank God for the fruit of partnership, companionship and the bond of love that holds it together.
I have enjoyed long unhurried conversations that did not turn critical but were uplifting and in a sense, purging also.  I have relished in wonderful home cooking that only you can produce.  God has protected these moments with no crisis from home or church. 
So, dance with the Lord or for Him.  Sing to the Savior from the depth of your soul.  Do not hesitate or be inhibited, jump on in.  The future is ours.  We own it because He owns us.  Larry