The Old Man and the Child

He used to sit for hours in the sun
And stare out over the sea,
With a far-off look in his eyes
Like he saw eternity.

And playing near his feet a child
Followed his gaze “out there,”
And having a curious nature
Moved closer to his chair.

:What do you see out there, Ole Pa?
There’s a sad look in your face.”
And down a wet and furrowed check
A tear small fingers traced.

The old man lifted his hand and said,
“Out there,” but with a second thought, “oh no,
I mean o’er there on Shackleford Banks
Are the wonder years of long ago.”

From Carteret Love Song, Gretchen Guthrie Guthrie