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.”
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