The Bickleton News, Bickleton, WA., March 10, 1911, page 8

ALDER CREEK -- 1880

I want to hear the old pine trees,
I want to see the rocky swales;
I want to feel the chinook breeze,
Melting snow from hills and dales.

I want to stand where once I stood,
Full of life, and hope, and will.
Where everything to me looked good,
From our little home on the hill.

I want to see the buchgrass wave,
Where lupin, phlox, and bluebills grow;
To stand again at the lonely grave,
With memories sweet of long ago.

I want to meet the friends once more,
Who were glad when I was glad,
Who stood by me when the heart was sore,
Who were sad when I was sad.

Yes, I want to go as the shadows fall,
To the prairie -- so dear to me --
There to answer the last stern call,
And to sleep through eternity.

J.E.

     The above poem expresses the yearnings of a former resident of the Alder Creek country. He would like to come back with his family to spend a few days at a general gathering of pioneers at some point where the old settlers formerly met, there to recall the days on "auld lang syne" and hopes the pioneers will take the matter up and arrange for such an assemblage. The farmers' union will arrange for a pioneer day June 14, but this not need interfere with the idea of a Pioneer club and general reunion of old settlers. It is to be hoped the matter will be taken up and carried out.

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©  Jeffrey L. Elmer