When he left he swore never to return
that was the first youthful lesson he was to learn
a true adult speaks lightly of absolutes
they often come back to haunt
besides, age provides enough of that
quite on its own, alone

he saw many dusty roads I'm sure of that
as he and Leroy traveled south
knowing him he ate it up and spat it back
youth has it's ways you know
although not always fueled by logic, the young just go and go
when a more wrinkled soul rests in the moons pale glow

as tough times took they're toll
life dictated with the demands only it bestowes
the boys began to wear a bit
a plight in time we all behold
thoughts of home began to look better
although further away, I'm sure

they hit that dusty trail again
this time without spring of step
change of direction, even aided by lighter pockets
provided not a moments pep
while hitchiking,they prayed for speedy northern rockets
none where to arrive

in the "thirties time" it was a futile prayer
that long road home from florida to virginia
even they're youth could not them spare
hunger is a tough task master, he demands to be fed
an all too often, all consuming fate
they did what they could for bread

soon, but not enough for them, I'm sure,
home loomed over the horizon
the smell of familiar country air manure,
a cherished fragrance that those of us who have left
know all too well upon our return,
they crept closer and another aroma rushed their senses

good fortune comes to us all, ragged, wretched, youthful
traveler no exception, though dazed,
they could hardly imagine fates smile for them
it was a church lawn party
in progress in the glen
can't you feel their anticipation? they must surly been amazed

after the travels telling toll, the boy
could not believe the golden flake of life's sweet luck
"timing is of the essence"
would be his next lesson and one not soon forgotten
he was on the grounds now and found himself flooded
by the folks joyous chatter

familiar faces, some related, murmured in a fog
the "welcome homes" that greet the wayward traveler
were not his burning choice,hunger is a demanding task master
it led him to the sight and smell
he remembered only all too well
When he spied his father, tears began to swell

he approached the sacred figure, the one he missed the most
while torn between raging hunger and the price he knew he'd pay
"meals dont come cheap in the country,
the price is not always in the pocket"
but his motivation was located in his stomach
as he stepped from dark to light into his fathers piercing sight

now... for that moment he thought of what to say
what father could refuse such an honest gaze
and the words from his son, "Dad, I've come home to stay"
his father answered while over the cooking heat
pausing eye to eye and with a wise smile he said
"Hell, son, you've just come home to eat"

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