With toes that were tap, tap, tapping,

Sweet Mary of Mulberry Hollow

Sat out on her cool front porch

To watch day fade away.

In Granny’s rain-washed rocker,

She gazed upon the hills,

Her mind in concentration

For the choice she had to make.

Here, springtime had come early

To waken the world to love.

While laurels in pink and white

Flirted with the balsams,

Bold red rhododendron

Romanced the blue primrose,

And all waltzed together

To the rhythm of the wind.

As nighttime brought in darkness

To hide the bright display,

Sweet Mary pictured in her mind

The suiters for her hand.

Handsome Harry Howard

Had promised deep devotion,

While shyer Jimmy Johnson

Would leave daisies at her door.
Harry made a vow to her

He’d be with her forever.

Jimmy came to help her

As she did her evening chores.
 

Harry said, “When we are wed,

I’ll go with you to church.”

Jimmy at each meeting hour

Was seated by her side.

Harry had assured her

They’d travel round the world.

Jimmy took her in his truck

Where she had need to go.

Harry pledged he’d build for her

The finest red brick mansion.

Jimmy bought a pretty lot

And laid a house foundation.

As Mary pondered on her choice,

The breezes whispered softly,

“Don’t choose a man who speaks of love,

But marry the man who shows it.”