Old Dogs and Warm Summers

An old, old song I heard today

has drawn me back in time;

a Tom Tee croon from radio

'bout watermelon wine,

'bout old dogs and warm summers gone

and gentler days lifeline;

soft lyrics grasp each memory

that occupies his mind.

Now melodies sift memories

long years tend to soften;

a dear old dog named Rascal Blue

I think of him so often ...

we frolicked on green grass of time

in canvas colors past,

hues painting summers' innocence

that children think will last,

school nells, church bells, dear family

sweet bursting scents of maize,

childhood dreams 'neath rustling leaves

new morning lazy haze ...

I thank God for fond memories

to sip from time to time,

believing He has purposes

to pour nostalgia's wine.

Now fading lull from radio

pulls me back to this rhyme,

of old dogs and warm summer days

and Jesus' faithful vine ...

Philippians 4:8 ~ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.