| From West by Northwest.org Voices of Spencer Creek Joy of Living: Young Melissa and Old Aunt Edie By Edie Self Dec 2, 2006 I wrote this homage fifty years or more after I first encountered Young Melissa. It has been part of my life, a song I sing every time I pick up a broom. I can hardly sweep without smiling, and who would want to, anyhow? So here it is, a reprise, if you will. --E.S.
When Old Aunt Edie Sweeps When old Aunt Edie sweeps a room She often leans upon the broom. Each bit of clutter to be removed Requires some contemplating, too. Which way to move to be assured That every single step is used To clear the mess with minimum stress; Then rest for a while with a happy smile. And the original verse: When Young Melissa Sweeps When young Melissa sweeps a room I vow she dances with a broom! She curtsies in a corner brightly And leads her partner forth politely. Then up and down in jigs and reels, With gold dust flying at their heels, They caper. With a whirl or two They make the wainscot shine like new; They waltz beside the hearth, and quick It brightens, shabby brick by brick. A gay gavotte across the floor, A Highland fling from door to door. And every crack and corner's clean Enough to suit a dainty queen. If ever you are full of gloom, Just watch Melissa sweep a room! Nancy Byrd Turner from the Childcraft books, Volume Two Storytelling and Other Poems Field Enterprises, Inc. Chicago, 1949 © Copyright 2000-2006 by West by Northwest.org |
