Of a Evenin'

A change in the wind during the past few days reminds me that summer is winding down. Last night, I even closed my bedroom window for perhaps the first time in a month. As a parting tribute to the long, lazy days of summer I offer the following poem, which I wrote while sitting on the porch of a country store in a small town. Anyone who grew up, or frequently visits, the smallest of rural communities has probably sat on a porch much the same as this one and bid farewell to many a summer day in much the same way. Folks just seem to congregate in such a place after work to toast the evening with a soft drink or an ice cold beer. Today’s poetic offering is for all of you who remember sharing those moments. It’s a perfect time to talk slowly, breath deeply, gossip just a little, and ponder the big questions of life. If you’ve been there, you will know just what I mean. I’ve been waxing entirely too serious lately ... so this one’s for warm evenings, old times, and the quiet place in each of our hearts reserved only for summer. Enjoy.

Of a Evenin’
I like to sit out of a evenin’
on the porch and watch the day
When the afternoon is fading
and has nearly slipped away
When the sultry summer air is hot
and feelin’ kinda thick
It’s a good time just to chew the fat
or whittle on a stick
Sip a root beer or a knee high
or some other soda pop
As I tip my hat to Mr. Sun
and watch him slowly drop
I like to catch up on the gossip
and the news that trickles down
Heard they shot a mountain lion
somewheres over south of town
Did Priscilla have her baby yet?
What’s the forecast, do you know?
Charlie, how are things in Greenville
did you catch the rodeo?
I like to sit out of a evenin’
do some thinkin’, rock a bit
It’s a good time for reflectin’
a good time to simply sit
And discuss the kind of questions
you can’t hardly even solve
But you like to ask them anyhow
as you watch the day dissolve
As the light gets on to fadin’
and silhouettes the hilltop trees
There’s a gentle sort of quiet
that drifts in upon the breeze
You hear it singin’ in the forest
and you feel it in your bones
A strength and stillness emanating
from the ancient mountain stones
Except for cattle lowin’ somewhere
there’s a welcome kinda hush
That reaches down inside you
makes it seem a crime to rush
There’s a moment when the night and day
get all mixed up and you know
That this life is worth the livin’
the mountains seem to tell you so
When you’re afraid to even take a breath
knowin’ it’ll break the spell
It’s the time to let God speak to you
and tell you all is well
And you believe Him ‘cause you understand
He made this moment just for you
The moment when the night begins ...
and the summer day is through
By Frank Carpenter ©