If I'd only listened
To Grandma while at her knee,
As she talked and told old-time stories
Of things and people as they used to be.

If I'd only listened;
But I thought the age-old stories were a bore.
All those names, dates, and tales,
Some how, I managed to ignore.

If I'd only listened
As Grandma told how things were then;
Or had her to re-tell
The stories and tales again and again.

If I'd only listened,
Questioned, and asked her
About her Grandma, Grandpa, and others
As to When? What? and Where?

If I'd only listened;
Her wealth of information
I would now treasure
As I'd have abundant family documentation.

If I'd only listened to Grandma;
But it's now too late!
So, I'll just record on paper the facts
I know and to the Historic Society donate.