Sharla Rhodes' father was a minister, like answering God's calling.
Her happiest memories were of Sundays, like silken petals, falling.

Her mother was proud of them! They all attended church regularly.
Sharla, brother Otis, and sister Sage, romped 'neath skies of honey.

Loving holy scriptures and Jesus, when birds sang in maroon garb,
Dad was choirmaster and wrote hymns. Like red cardinal's remark.

Night fairies had flown by morning, when the tangelo sun arose;
When earth split in two factions. Later, friends told joys and woes.

Fun's fascination was lost, when family came, the plum leaves fading;
And fields, lay fraught with suspense, like emerald spring, invading.

The Rhodes lived in the house of sunshine, His light seen and felt;
Like a person will sometimes reappear, in the place love has dwelt.

Glittering sun rose red-orange, though last seen at scarlet sunset;
On a street of no sad goodbyes, and of lush gardens of Antoinette.

Neighbors bearing dear nicknames called, at the nicest time of day;
Just before satin skies turnt ginger, and ebony shadows crept away.

'Curly chrysanthemums' tresses were styled, in hues, dazzling red;
When 'love-lies-bleeding' was wilting, dying of thirst in arid beds.

'Candy cane sorrel' was relished, as were 'grape' hyacinth flowers;
And 'tarantula' cacti danced prettily, during summery encounters.

Sharla joined her school's band, for she loved playing the drums;
And in time, got very good at it, like peach rosebud, that becomes.

There was excitement in the air, like firefly lights of summer dusk;
Since the school band would perforn, like hues, where rains gushed!

But, the nicest part of it all, was where the band would be playing-
They would play at her father's church; like full happiness, awaiting!

The performance went so well! The band was gaining a reputation;
And Sharla's family was so proud, like rapt, attentive congregation.

Then Sharla's father teared up, when they played his favorite hymn;
Like when the word of God is spoken, and His saints are at attention!

Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in.

Oh, when the drums begin to bang
Oh, when the drums begin to bang
Oh Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in.

Oh, when the stars fall from the sky
Oh, when the stars fall from the sky
Oh Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in.