Ready Or Not Poem by Barbara Attaway

On dark and silent evenings
Since my Mama passed away
I sit here thinking of her
And why I wanted her to stay
Her front door was always open
Something hot was on the stove
Regardless of the time of day
Up her gravel road I drove
While big oaks sprinkled with fireflies
All around the old house swayed
While thirsty crickets serenaded
Singing out, "Coffee's made! "
My Mama's house was always filled
With children, dogs and toys
The billowing laughter was catching there
Infecting all our boys
Games were played and guns were shot
Our mouths were always full
Mama sewed most all our clothes
Mama lived the Golden Rule
Roxie Anna was my Mama
My Daddy loved her so
One day God saw fit to take her
I wasn't ready for her to go