Thomas Adams - 'Along the Line'

I remember being happy. And if it's all the same,
I'll tell she woke me up each day with 'Mommy's tickle game'.
And oh that sun was much too bright; my future, full of fame.
To hear my mother's vibrant voice as she called me by my name.

I smelled the air that dried the clothes that danced along the line.
And I would take the basket in when mom ran out of time.
Mom's in the house and moving round while I would tag behind.
She questioned me where I should be and I'd say I was fine.

When my mommy tucks me in at night, I must not make a peep.
All day I wait for this good time, my memory I must keep
A tender hand to pull them up, these covers in a heap.
My sisters said she wouldn't come unless I was asleep.

Now past some years the sun had dulled and mine's the'tickle game'.
And I call out to baby girl a vibrant given name.
She'd sing off key while I would boast her future full of fame.
While we would sing each week away, the song remained the same.

I catch myself a wondering off and mulling times before.
How mom would call me in to eat. Tall, standing by our door.
Then baby girl would ask me why I tend to look afright.
I'd say that I'm remembering when the sun was much too bright.

And when its time for one more tuck, I will not make a peep.
I'll wait all day, if I've the time for a memory I did keep.
That tender hand will pull me up, this man all in a heap.
And we'll both dance beside those clothes as soon as I'm asleep.

Thomas Adams

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/along-the-line-2/