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MEM'RIES OF THE SECOND NINE
We've gathered today, from the East and the West,
For a day of pleasure, a day of rest,
From cares and from duties, that crowd on us thick
We've turned eager eyes to the "Factory Brick"
A tribute to pay to lives that were fine,
Is once more unbroken the ranks of the nine.
We pause in the rush of time's onward flow
To cherish our rnem'ries of long, long ago.
Each year as it passed, left reunion's rich treasure
In remembrance so sweet, it still gives us pleasure
Tho now to our sight, of the nine, not a face
Will greet us this year at the old Watkins place.
Yes, our muse turns again, to the first stairway line
To the brothers and sisters, long known as the nine.
We'll name them once more, lest rec'lections grow dim,
Uncle Jas, Uncle Charlie, Aunt Nan, Uncle Jim,
Uncle Joe, Aunt Mary, Aunt Jen, Uncle Newt,
Last of the line Uncle Sher - their loved voices now mute.
Now close beside the first, was a second stairway line,
Six aunts there were, and uncles three; We'll name this
Second nine as Sally, 'Rene and Davy, as Mattie, Ella, Spain,
As Tannehill and Hon, as Em who married Uncle Ane.
Today Aunt Emma, still stately, straight and tall,
Is here within our midst, to represent them all.
To each of these names, at least another was given,
Names on our hearts, indelibly scriven.
These were the names of "father" of "mother
While to others were added, "grandfather", "Grandmother".
So time weaves its garland, and together we come
Once more as children to the old Watkins home.
They met this life bravely and fought long and well
And what they accomplished our love fain would tell,
As at this reunion, the nines we would praise
Join in their prayer as our voices we raise
Nay we so use our blessings our joy and our love,
That we all may inhabit the bright home above."
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