Happy Thanksgiving!

The Light In The Kitchen Is On
By Cliff Morrow

As children we'd rise, when first we were called,
Our life back then wasn't charmed.
We'd stretch, and scratch our way down the stairs
Time for chores out here on the farm.

We'd turn to the left, and then down the hall,
To the bathroom, relief met us there.
Then a bend at the waist, and a splash on the face
As our reflection came up, we just stared.

Then it was back down the hall, we squinted a bit
The smells were both subtle and bold.
The bacon sizzled, the coffee perked
"Hurry up or the eggs'll get cold".

I often think back, on Novembers of yore
Filled with the good smells at dawn.
That drew us down stairs in anticipation
To where the light in the kitchen was on.

Soon after school, on cold winter nights,
We'd head to the barn to do chores.
To 'pail' the cow, and feed the sows,
We were frozen right down to the core.

Inside it was warm, where a pie had been born,
And Mom pounded steaks so tender.
And diced potatoes to swim with some peas,
Oh the smells that woman could render.

We'd leave the barn, milk pails in hand,
The warmth and our daylight were gone.
To the welcome sound of silverware spread,
For the light in the kitchen was on.

I now live in that house, it's been fifty plus years,
Since I first had occasion sit,
And dine on the food that was second to none,
It wasn't fancy, with candles lit.

Mom just knew how to cook, and make folks feel welcome,
It's an art that's been lost by most..
Sometimes without warning, visitors would come,
"Have you eaten"? She'd ask as their host.


We've since raised our family on that same fertile farm,
They too have been heirs to good food.
We've gathered together around table spread,
With love, that's well understood.

The kids have moved on and so has life,
And the chilly winds still blow at dawn.
But I smile to myself, when I look at the house,
And the light in the kitchen is on.


I wrote this a while back and have been saving it for Thanksgiving. We are thankful for many things and hope you are as well. Have a Blessed day.