DAYS PAST AND GONE

1. John Columbus Deason is my name. But what have I done in the way of fame. I am now in my sixty third
year. And in most of the mean tricks I have had my share.

2. I was reared a poor boy as you all know and by living so I had nothing to make a show. By working hard we had something to eat. To do that it kept us mostly on our feet.

3. Our clothing was made at home and was very rough. But not with standing it was equally tuff. Men wore home made shoes, pants, coat and hats. Yet they felt as happy as a groupe of old cats.

4. Our Ladies wore something like the same. Yet it suited them for sunshine and rain. Some could plow, hoe and make rails almost as good as any of the males.

5. We have all now got to living too fast. Yet some of us will be poor as in the past. Some men work hard gets rich and dies. And leaves their children to eat the pie's.

6. Oh! I love to write about old times when girls and boys was not afraid of the line. Girls and boys use to all
go to the field. Bare shod feet as hard and rusty as a shield.

7. Our dinner was simple and very plain but hard work made us eat hearty all the same. It was corn bread,
blue collards and fat bacon if I am not very badly mistaken.

8. How is it with children of late? Every thing must look nice and never use a tin plate. Biscuits, fried ham,
eggs, butter and chicken if not they don't like to go to the kitchen.

9. Our girls and boys all wants to dress so fine. When they go to meeting make a big shine. It is not for
Preaching they wish to go but let me tell you mostly to ketch a bear.

10. Boys must have a fine suit, buggy and horse else he hardly can stay on the farm. But he also must have a fine watch and money to gingle. He says if not he would be looked on not worth a shingle.

11. Oh! Young people let me tell you the plane truth if it don't do you good in old age it may in youth. If I know myself I wish you all well and while in this land happily dwell.

12. Never let your clothes fit you too tight to work. Better wear loose clothes than be counted a heel. I love to see people dress neat, clean and plain. If they do have a buggy, gold watch and chain.

13. Never let your fine clothes be of borrowed money. Some are ready to say it looks sorter funny. It is poor
economy to borrow money to buy bread. Live and dress according to your incpme and remember what I
Said.

14. Now I will conic to a close. Which I guess you are ready to propose. Next I wish you all a happy farewell
and finally in a better land to dwell.

John Columbus Deason