Park the wagon in the drive While together we contrive To assemble all the essentials And a host of preferentiols That we’ll be needing one by one As we pursue our vacation fun. Take all the swimming things Water skis and water wings, Charcoal briquets and the grill For that added zest and thrill For those hamburgers and the steaks We’ll consume while at the lakes. There really can be no fear That we’ll forget the fishing gear; As for lounging, we’ll take care To pack along an extra chair. Take some games for the day When rain may come our way; Oh yes, the Bible on the shelf Stow it with our varied pelf. It may function as a charm To keep us from impending harm Like St. Christopher’s approved by Rome For safe travel far from home.

We’ve come a long, long way Since we began our trip today; Horse-powered by so many steeds We could keep high average speeds. That’s important so we can boast Of the miles that we could post From the time of morning light Until we turned in for the night. Day’s end finds us in the mood For little else but rest and food. Even the travel was sort of fun So our vacation’s well begun; And as no harm to us befell Our Bible must have served us well. Tomorrow when we’ve less to do We may read a verse or two, Right now we are most in need of sleep We pray Thee Lord our souls to keep.

Saturday evening, the week is spent, We can hardly recall where it went. From red of dawn till twilight’s glow We were constantly on the go, Fishing, boating, swimming, skiing, Sun bathing, lounging, and sight seeing  There’s just no reason and no rhyme To such a pace on vacation time. But tomorrow is the day of rest No doubt we should do our best To get up on time and make a search For some kind of suitable church. Perhaps we could make some excuse For one sabbath day’s misuse; Fact is, churches are so far away It seems we forgot the Lord’s day When we chose our vacation route Long before we ever started out.

God of our fathers, have mercy yet, Though we forget, though we forget.

RIKARD THE RIMER