OLD-FASHIONED folks! God bless 'em all! <br />The fathers an' the mothers, <br />The aunts an' uncles, fat an' tall, <br />The sisters an' the brothers. <br />The good old-fashioned neighbors, too, <br />The passing time improves 'em, <br />They still drop in to chat with you <br />Whene'er the spirit moves 'em. <br />The simple, unaffected folks <br />With gentle ways an' sunny, <br />The brave an' true <br />That live life through <br />An' stay unspoiled by money. <br /> <br />Old-fashioned folks, of solid worth, <br />On them a benediction! <br />The joy an' comfort of the earth, <br />Its strength, without restriction. <br />The charm of every neighborhood, <br />The toilers uncomplaining, <br />The men an' women, pure an' good, <br />Of fine an' honest graining. <br />The plain an' open-hearted folks <br />That make no fad a passion, <br />The kind an' fair <br />That do an' dare <br />An' are not slaves to fashion. <br /> <br />Old-fashioned folks, that live an' love <br />An' give their service gladly, <br />An' deem their neighbors worthy of <br />Their help when things go badly. <br />The simple sharers of our joys, <br />Sweet ministers in sorrow, <br />They help the world to keep its poise <br />An' strength for each tomorrow. <br />The simple, unaffected folks, <br />That live for all about 'em, <br />God bless 'em all, <br />This earthly ball <br />Would dreary be without 'em.<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/old-fashioned-folks/
