Old Guys and Pink Peppermints

...Because I was asked by someone to post a poem.  I am not one for writing poetry, and this one is from my sophomore year of college.  But the subject still holds a special place in my heart.

Old Guys and Pink Peppermints

-To My Guys in The Kings Men of Song-

“Step Into the Water”

“Canaan Land”

“Jesus Paid It All”

“Joy Comes in the Morning”

“Written in Red”

I grew up with songs like these

As I sat in a different church pew

Every Sunday night.

Because you see,

My mom was the pianist

For the King’s Men of Song.

I have listened to these men sing

As my mother played

Since I was a baby.

I was too little to sit alone

So I sat by my great aunt Ev

Who always brought me corn-candies.

I soon grew old enough

To sit up front by my Mom

And listen as those men sang their songs.

I grew up with these men singing,

And of course I was slightly spoiled,

Being a cute little girl in dresses and all.

There was Mr. Andy who always had pink peppermints,

And the man who gave me a ring from McDonalds.

And who could forget the time a guy taught me

To make it appear as though I could put a finger in my ear

And make it come out my mouth.

There were always those special concerts

Such as the ones on Lummi Island

In a little church by the sea,

And the guys all sang “Happy Birthday” to me.

Or that one in Friday Harbor

When my math homework confounded Mr. Don. 

Of course, there are those members

Who will always hold a special place in my heart:

Mr. Brent with his rainbow suspenders

And one of the sweetest smiles you will ever see.

Mr. Hank, the old director

Who hugged me so tight it almost hurt.

Mr. Don who still talks to me about math problems

And has already volunteered to sing at my wedding

Despite the fact that I’m not even engaged.

Mr. Andy whom I haven’t seen in years,

But I will never forget all those pink peppermints.

Then, there is my great uncle Chuck

Who passed away not too long ago.

But his cheerful disposition and warm hugs

Will never be forgotten.

And I can’t forget Mrs. Marcia,

Who obviously isn’t exactly one of the guys,

But her solos are breathtaking,

And I can still see her smiling at me

As she sings away with The King’s Men of Song.

I grew up with all these men,

And their beautiful songs that I will always hold dear.

Every time I hear them sing,

As my Mom plays the piano,

I simply can’t help but smile

Because I love these old guys,

All the memories they bring,

And those pink peppermints.