The kitchen was an integral room in the home way back when, in the
20th century. From gosh knows how far back the humble oil lamp was
prominently displayed on the kitchen table. If the residents of the home
were fortunate enough, other lamps were positioned at different locations
throughout the house. Coal oil was abundant, and relatively cheap in the
19th and early 20th centuries. To those who remember those days.

The Coal Oil Lamp
I often think of how things were, way back in the day,
When folks enjoyed a slower pace, and quite a different way.
The family unit was so strong, they did more things together
They toiled much harder than today, life's storms and woes to weather.

No modern toys like T.V. sets, appliances and such
The basic things we know today, were simply out of clutch.
To touch on all the ways and walks they did would take forever
But many of those memories will not fade out, no never

The coal oil lamp sat on the table, when supper time came due
If not you'd never find your plate, and likely spill your stew.
It was a simple gadget, but it kind of set us free
It chased away the darkness, so we could drink our tea.

The lamp seemed like a magnet that drew us all as one,
We played games around it, and told stories, just for fun.
The kettle danced on the range nearby, to everyone's delight
But the old oil lamp was always there, to help us through the night.

Mom shined the globe, and trimmed the wick, Dad filled the crimson bowl
To keep the light clean, broad and bright, and well under control.
The Good Book says let your light shine, don't hide it from one's view
Well in our house the lamp shone bright, and that I know was true.

Books were read by lamp light, and studies tackled there
And Daddy often read God's word, or led us all in prayer.
The gentle glow of one small flame, encased , but yet so bright
It kept us entertained, it seemed, and took the fear from night.

Mothers had their babies home, back in the days gone by
The old oil lamp was always there, to hear the babe's first cry.
And when a soul was called away, the wake was day and night
The old oil lamp kept vigil too, and helped make things alright.

But by and by the light switch came, and flicked those times aside
But older folks can still reflect, on those past days with pride.
That little flame that lit our hearts, and served us all so well
Will always keep on glowing, in the stories that we tell.

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