On Some Back Road In Texas

On some back road in Texas Where time had flown away Sat a dreamlike Kinkade home Of warmth and heart, not paint, With shaded walkway arbor Crowned with leaves and flowers. Love dwelt there. A lovely little couple, Long past their youthful prime, Welcomed us into their home With bright and cheerful smiles Saying, “We over-ripe grapes Are now in raisin time.” Love was there. Our afternoon was blissful Midst rose and hollyhock Seated near a lily pond, A lotus eater’s dream, With tea, crumpets, clotted cream And conversation sweet. Love shared there. We bade farewell at even With smiles, and hugs and tears To Pop Vin and Auntie Mae. A stooped for sale sign wept For the home they would depart. The pair smiled even so. Love held on. One later year we passed by Under a searing sky That burned up cornfields nearby Their home worn and withered As grapes long past raisin time. Wistfully we knew why: Love had gone.