If you will stay with me we shall have apples and acorns and plums
And bees in the lilacs and a swing on the porch and kittens and chrysanthemums.
If you will stay with me we shall have hammocks and windows with screens
And bats in the air and kids in our hair and cobwebs and a mouse in the pantry.
If you will stay with me we shall have falling stars and sunsets
And water on tap and a fence that’s not done with a gate that’s always busted.
If you will stay with me we shall have candles and a fireplace and roses
And a clock with no hands and a broken-down truck and grandchildren’s runny noses.
If you will stay with me we shall have geese and chickens and calves
And a stubborn well and a windmill that works and canning on our shelves.
If you will stay with me we shall have weeds and butterflies
And pups underfoot and a moon through the trees and heaven in front of our eyes.
If you will stay with me we shall have snow and the cold that comes with it
And we shall know that the ice will melt and that summer is just beneath it
If you will stay with me.