Joyce Thomas
Be careful of your selection
Do not choose too young
Take only such as have been reared
In a good moral atmosphere
Some insist on keeping them in a pickle
While others keep them in hot water
This only makes them sour
hard and sometimes bitter
Even poor varieties well-sweetened
May be made good by garnishing with patience
Well-sweetened with smiles
And flavored with kisses to taste
Then wrap them in a mantle of charity
Keep them warm with a fire of domestic devotions
And serve with peaches and cream
When thus prepared, they will keep for years