The Skating Pond

Autumn would pass, the first snow would fall,

We tried to wait patiently for Dad to call:

"The pond is frozen! Grab your gear.

The skating pond is smooth and clear!"

Our skates were sharp and polished like new

And Mama pinned mitts on our parkas, too.

"Hurray!" We'd shout bundled head to toe

Thinking Mama would never let go.

So many clothes seemed to get in our way

But we hurried to the pond, on a prairie winter day.

Dad always stayed near, within sight of us

'Cause he knew Mama would lecture and fuss.

He'd gather dried branches and build a small fire.

It didn't take long before we got tired....