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Grandma Jo
Member

since 2000-01-02

Posts 51

0 posted 2000-02-27 06:45 PM

Old Pete
The solitary existence of old Pete Wilson gives people in the village many hours of speculation. They say he's as old as the village. The only thing they are certain of is that he has been alone on his ten-acre farm since his wife passed away twenty years before. The farm, once plowed and planted is now overgrown with bush and overrun with animals. Often someone in town would ask him how he could live with only the rabbits, squirrels and deer for company. They would say that it wasn't good for anyone to be alone like that without a family, so far from other people. Pete would always smile at their good intentions and go on his way.
Slowly trudging along, Pete makes his way home. He can feel the icy sting of the wind on his weather-browned face. It is a long, cold walk, but he doesn't notice as he hums to himself. He is content in the knowledge that it will be appreciated.
A fierce storm the week before has forced the deer down from the hills. They know there will be food and shelter at Pete's farm. This is the reason for his long trek this morning.
Fearing that there might not be enough food for all the hungry deer, he felt compelled to make the five mile trip to town. Dragging the heavily laded sleigh behind him, he hears the crunch of ice and snow under the runners. The bright morning sun glistens off the blinding whiteness of the snow. It makes a mockery of the needle-like sharpness of the frosty air.
When he gets home the deer gather 'round him. Their tiny noses and soft brown eyes question the contents of Old Pete's bundles. As he pours a swollen sack of grain into an old wooden trough, he smiles. His leathered face opens and his blue eyes twinkle. His grin brings a youthful glow to his now animated face. The blackened gaps of toothlessness make the few teeth he has stand out almost as white as the shimmering snow. "Yes," he says, talking to a small deer, lovingly nuzzling his hand. "I'm happy. After all, what is a family anyway, but love, attention and needing? Isn't that what I've got right here?"

[This message has been edited by Grandma Jo (edited 02-27-2000).]

Dusk Treader

Moderator

Senior Member

since 1999-06-18

Posts 1187
St. Paul, MN

1 posted 2000-02-27 10:36 PM

Welcome to Prose! A great first post you got here! And I think I'd have to agree with Pete on his ideas of a family.. and animals might be even better, no bickering, no talking back.. Loved the piece, hope to see more of you soon!

A writer's soul is on paper etched.

In flames I shall not be consumed, but reborn. --
Abrahm Simons

Marilyn
Member Elite

since 1999-09-26

Posts 2621
Ontario, Canada