Corner of State And Vine

Remembering my childhood and the times
I felt truly safe. It was always in the huge
Brick house of Ma and Emme, my great Aunt and uncle
The three story house sat on the corner of State and Vine

The house was always quiet, cool in the summer and
warm in the winter. It was full of old fashioned pictures
and furniture of days gone by. I remember the wonderful smell of Ma's cooking
filling the house, and the smell of Emme's pipe tobacco, Prince
Albert, that comforted me so

And I, safe in a large rocking chair, in front of the fire place
staring into the cozy fire. In a magic place, lost in my thoughts
Every morning about eight a.m. on a sunny day, a ray of sun
would slip through the stained glass window over the stairs
and cast a little prism of colored light unto the living room carpet

There were never harsh words spoken, just a disapproving glance
was enough.  The feeling of safety and tranquility, always there for me
Just a quiet little girl, with pale white skin, and sad blue eyes

I especially liked it when the nightfall came
The only lights on would be the small lamp
At the foot of the staircase, and the city light
At the corner of State and Vine that would
softly shine into the living room

The radio on low, and Ma gently rocking back
and forth in her green rocking chair
Talking to me about this and that, always had
a story to tell me, usually about Ireland, and our family
heritage

How could it all be gone and where did it all go
Even the house is gone, now.  Torn down to make a
Parking lot for the Elks building next door

I do not remember Ma or Emme ever going to church
Or ever seeing either one read a bible
But there was more of God in that house than I ever
Found in some so-called christians homes