Old Dogs and Children and Watermelon Wine

For Pauline.

You played me your favourite song,

You said it spoke what's in your heart.

You held my hand and sang along,

And bade me listen to the part

About the simple things you loved

The only things worth your time

Old dogs, and children

And watermelon wine.

I remembered how you'd loved me

Ever since I was a child

How our games were ever carefree

And your temper ever mild. 

And the simple things you loved

The only things worth our time.

Old dogs, and children,

And watermelon wine.

As we sang I saw your tears,

And the grieving in your heart

As we spoke of loss and fears

You bade me listen to the part

About the simple things you loved

The only things worth your time

Old dogs, and children

And watermelon wine.

I have loved you all my life,

But I never really knew you

I had no idea of all the strife,

That you have lived through.

The simple things kept in your heart,

Now they'll always be in mine.

Old dogs, and children,

And watermelon wine.

Reviews

[Beccy]

One of your reviewers mentioned this seemed to falter a little in musicality.

I disagree, it has a flow and rhythm that I think makes these lines as much song lyrics as a poem.

The repetition at the end of each verse works perfectly and 'old dogs, and children and watermelon wine,' go quite beautifully together.

Much enjoyed this.

Beccy.

[Krizito]

It's got a lovely story and rhythm, I enjoyed it. But I do feel a bit of punctuation could help for better reading.

[KarMarBar]

"Wow" is my first reaction. The beginning reminded me of my father growing up and I agree that the repetition of the last lines of each stanza certainly add something to the poem as a whole. You say, "For Pauline." It makes me wonder who Pauline is because, as I mentioned, this poem reminds me of my father, aside from never really knowing him. Amazing write!!

[Alias]

Pauline is a mad irishwoman that used to clean our house, but ever since me and my siblings were babies she's loved us like her own, and this poem is about the last time I visited her, and to let her know that I have always loved her just as much as she's loved me. She's family.

[KarMarBar]

Aww, that's sweet. Thanks for filling me in, I was curious. Anyone who parents you and loves you as their own, even if not biologically, is certainly family! I have a couple of those myself.

[Mara]

really great piece, i like the repetition of 'Old dogs, and children, and watermelon wine'
thanks for sharing:)!

[Willard Wells]

Very nice and brings so mind the old "Tom T Hall" song, "Old dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine". fun piece

[alifeacoustic]

Beautiful. Has a lovely coming of age feel to it, that suggests a childhood friend or more likely relative, who had the foresight to be a person who treated you as an equal and respected you. These people are the most memorable to a young mind, and their kindness to us is always remembered and cherished.
Is the title something ive heard before? Have the feeling its a song or book title. Hmm, must google that, inbetween writing out my xmas cards, which I admit, I may have left a little too late :)
Happy holidays to you and yours and awra best for 2016 :)

[Alias]

Yes it's a song, a song a relative played to me recently while I comforted her for the loss of her brother. Glad you liked it - thanks for review
Have a fab xmas!x

[alifeacoustic]

You too. All the best. Hope santa is to good you :)

[Jessalynn]

I clicked on the poem because the title is the title to one of my favorite songs. I'm glad I did because this was a beautiful piece. Thank you so much for sharing.

[Alias]

thank-you! Thinking of adding the song to the poem so people can enjoy the song that inspired it :)

[Aero]

Very nostalgic, well written! and i love the ending.

[Archos]

Splendid poem, breathing with nostalgia. I love it!

[Leon C]

A beautiful poem.

I loved the hook as it has a wonderful melancholic feel. You really have caught the essence of loss.

[Riddhi]

Very nice poem and specially the title attracted me and really a great work....