On the Banks of the Avon 67 



dream," than to recall memories of fishing days. 

 All along that Avon stream there are gladsome 

 pictures for me and I feel the thrill of youth 

 return when I put those films on my memory 

 machine. 



Let me wander by the Avon, a barefoot boy ag'in, 

 A-haulin' out the "shiners" with a little crooked pin, 

 An' see its wimpled waters twinkling onward to the sea, 

 An' in their merry gurgles hear its messages o' glee. 



Let me go a-loiterin' 'long its banks 'at smelled so sweet. 

 Where blue flags an' dandelions grew to tickle my bate 



feet, 

 An' see the saucy kingfisher a-divin' from some tree; 

 Let me hit the trail to boyhood an' be like I used to be. 



Wish I could this minute with old Father Time play tag, 

 I'd set out on that boyhood trail with steps 'at would 



not lag, 

 An' find my dear old mother standin' at the orchard 



gate. 

 Where she used to watch for me whenever I came late. 



Wish I could peer beyond the blue o' heaven's starry 



skies. 

 Catch one of her old-time smiles, see the lovelight in 



her eyes — 

 'Twould smooth life's rougher places, help me break 



the bonds of sin — 

 Let me wander by the Avon, a barefoot boy ag'in. 



