I loved to go to grandma's house
When I was very small.
Those big old empty rooms upstairs
Always seemed so tall.
I'd play up there without a care;
With just one chair, that's all.
Imagination was my friend;
I'd gladly play alone.
I'd be a pirate captain, or
A king upon a throne.
Then I'd be a wizard, who
Would turn things into stone!
My mother's voice would end my play,
Calling from below.
I'd grumble and complain out loud,
But then I'd slowly go
Down into the furnished rooms
With coal fires, all aglow.
Lemonade and chocolate cake
Would suddenly appear.
Grandma, with a smile, would say,
"Here you are, my dear!"
I'd smile right back and thank her,
Then make it disappear!
Soon it would be time to leave,
And we would kiss goodbye.
Grandma would stand by the door,
A tear within her eye.
I'd turn and wave, and she'd wave back,
Then give a gentle sigh.