navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #45 » This Old Dirt Road
Open Poetry #45
Post A Reply Post New Topic This Old Dirt Road Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
WTBAKELAR
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Senior Member
since 2008-09-09
Posts 1089
Utah, USA

0 posted 2009-06-24 04:40 PM


This Old Dirt Road

How many dreamers have passed by here,
Travelers on life’s lonely trail,
Pioneers, farmers, prospectors and cowboys,
All with a different story to tell,

Some with a promise of fortunes,
Rainbows and fields of clover,
Many are looking for a new way of life,
Others, just hoping to start over,

By foot, by handcart, on horseback and wagons,
Over the years this old road they’ve crossed,
Through mishaps, sickness, cold, hunger and heartache,
The survivors buried those that were lost,

Along this byway, I’ve walked many a mile,
While I thought of those that have passed,
It’s easy to see what they were looking for,
How they built on foundations that would last,

So many people have crossed this way,
On bowed backs they carried the load,
With the burdens of life, and a hope for the future,
They traveled, “This Old Dirt Road”.



The answer is always NO, Until the question is asked.



[This message has been edited by WTBAKELAR (06-24-2009 10:21 PM).]

© Copyright 2009 Wm. Tracey Bakelar - All Rights Reserved
Oklahoma Rose
Senior Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 1586
Oklahoma USA
1 posted 2009-06-24 06:42 PM


I really like this Tracey. I have traveled down many a roads, where I ended up having to start over. And, boy do I hate starting over. The last time was back in December 2002. Although this path is sometimes rough, I think it is the best.
Robert E. Jordan
Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2 posted 2009-06-24 07:15 PM


Yo tracy,

This is a well done poem.  I once lived on a dirt road.  That was in my bee keeping days.  I sold a lot of honey.  The bees kept the dust out of the honey.

I stay away from dirt roads when I can.

Bobby

WTBAKELAR
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Senior Member
since 2008-09-09
Posts 1089
Utah, USA
3 posted 2009-06-24 08:23 PM


Susan,  Thank you so much for you wonderful comments and perspective, and person fealings this poem brought out.

I myself have had to start over several times, leaving with no more than what fit in the truck.

Take care on this journey,
Love Tracey.

WTBAKELAR
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Senior Member
since 2008-09-09
Posts 1089
Utah, USA
4 posted 2009-06-24 08:27 PM


Bobby,  Bee Keeper eh?

I used to operate a transfer terminal that supplied bee keepers with High Fructose corn syrup to feed the bees in the winter months in Texas.  I was so surprized to find out that a bee colony can consume 50,000 lbs of sweetner per month.

Thanks for your comments and sharing a piece of your past.

Take care,
Tracey

Billie Cullimore
Member
since 2009-03-27
Posts 315

5 posted 2009-06-24 10:28 PM


Hi! Son;

I just read your latest poem and as always love it . I haven't opened my computer for about a week. I have been so busy with D.U.P.Etc.  This work has so much to say, I feel the love of ancestors, history, pioneers, church, pride in who and what we are and what we have to offer. Of what we learn on the dirt road of life.  Life is very seldom smooth sailing. But, we learn from the dirt we some times have to tred.  Keep up the good work.

Love

Mom

Bill Charles
Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619
highways, & byways, for now
6 posted 2009-06-25 12:28 PM


WTBAKELAR - I do like this poem. Just the words say many things...

BC

Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
7 posted 2009-06-25 05:58 AM


It's a most beautiful tribute to those who walked the Road before you and a great lesson of life for all. It took so much courage to cope with the unknown challenges, but Hope really was what kept them going. And so we learn from them to never give in, even if the circumstances appear to be rough.

Enjoyed this very much, dear Tracey.

Love,
Margherita

LindsayP
Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410
Australia, Victoria
8 posted 2009-06-25 10:00 PM



Yes, that is a great poem Tracey and I think most people who have trodden that dirt road

are the better for it. It not only builds your character but teaches you to keep

going no matter what the odds might be.
Great read my friend.

Lindsay

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
9 posted 2009-06-25 10:53 PM


"Go west, young man. Go west."

The poet in you has a pioneering spirit. I could see all those walking the "Old Dirt Road" before you! A great write Tracey!

Love 'n a hug,
Linda

Sonofgloin
Junior Member
since 2009-06-09
Posts 48
Australia
10 posted 2009-06-26 12:25 PM


WT,the road becomes the primary for me, the silent witness to our plights, the passing parade.....loved it mate...thanks....Paul
WTBAKELAR
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Senior Member
since 2008-09-09
Posts 1089
Utah, USA
11 posted 2009-06-26 07:03 AM


Mom, Bill, Margherita, Lindsay, Linda, and Paul,

Thank you all so very much for your wonderful comments and insights,  Your taking the time to read and enjoy my poem means the world to me.

Thank you again,
Love, Tracey.

unboundpoetess
Member
since 2008-05-24
Posts 477

12 posted 2009-06-26 11:34 AM


I grew up on a dirt road rimmed with tiger lillies and a few hundred acres of farmland ending at the river.

You feel a weight there, a gravity...

The stones that the slave quarters were built upon still sit below the garden, moved years ago to make way for vegetables.

I have fingered the arrowheads and other relics dug up by tractors in the bottom lands below our horses, and there close to the river are stones for nameless graves.

Lots of stories there.

Enjoyed this.
H


WTBAKELAR
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Senior Member
since 2008-09-09
Posts 1089
Utah, USA
13 posted 2009-06-26 02:31 PM


unboundpoetess,
I am so happy my poem gave you cause to Reminisce,  What lovely memories.

You know the dirt road of which I speak,

"Welcome Home"  Means something to people.

Thank you for your wonderful comments, Heather,

Tracey.

Dreamer05
Junior Member
since 2009-06-23
Posts 30
Kansas
14 posted 2009-06-27 08:12 PM


I like this. I like that I can visualize the old dirt road and the people walking it. Old, young, in between, I can see and feel their struggle and that just pulls at something in my heart. We've all been down many a road before, weather dirt or paved or gravel. Its our trek down those roads we take that make us who we are, that can make us stronger and better people. Well done!


~Dreamer05~

WTBAKELAR
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Senior Member
since 2008-09-09
Posts 1089
Utah, USA
15 posted 2009-06-29 10:02 AM


Metaphors, or Reality, We all chose the path that we walk through life, and often are guided by other down this road,

I am reminded of my ancestor’s plight as they traveled west to find a new home.

We all have it pretty easy in comparison.

I am so glad you all enjoyed my poem,

Love always,
Tracey.

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
16 posted 2009-06-29 01:27 PM


I know this road, Tracey.
                      Ida

WTBAKELAR
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Senior Member
since 2008-09-09
Posts 1089
Utah, USA
17 posted 2009-06-29 01:37 PM


Marchmadness,
Ya know,  that says it all, doesn't it?

Thank you for your meaningful comments,

Love,
Tracey.

Goldenrose
Member Elite
since 2003-05-30
Posts 3665

18 posted 2009-07-01 07:20 PM


Not sure if this is serious or not, so dont know if i should perhaps laugh...well written though...thank you..

Goldenrose.

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
19 posted 2009-07-01 07:28 PM


Oh, if we could only know whose footsteps we were walking on.
This title is catching and draws you in to  some intriguing thoughts
very well done
Liz

WTBAKELAR
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Senior Member
since 2008-09-09
Posts 1089
Utah, USA
20 posted 2009-07-01 09:34 PM


Goldenrose,
I am happy that your found another side to this poem,  You must have read between the lines, or maybe down the middle of this road.

Thank you for your appreciation,
Tracey

WTBAKELAR
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Senior Member
since 2008-09-09
Posts 1089
Utah, USA
21 posted 2009-07-01 09:36 PM


Liz, my friend,

Thank you so much for stopping in to walk with me for a moment in time, on "This Old Dirt Road"

Love,
Tracey.

vandana
Deputy Moderator 5 Tours
Member Patricius
since 1999-10-22
Posts 10463
USA
22 posted 2009-07-02 06:26 PM


nice read
WTBAKELAR
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Senior Member
since 2008-09-09
Posts 1089
Utah, USA
23 posted 2009-07-02 07:05 PM


Vandana,  so glad you stopped by, and enjoyed.

Much thanks.
Tracey.

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
24 posted 2009-09-21 12:06 PM


The old dirt road I knew best is all but overgrown now... but even as my car navigates the brush, my eyes see sandy footprints and I'm home. *S* Thank you for a beautiful poem and morning memories! *S*
WTBAKELAR
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Senior Member
since 2008-09-09
Posts 1089
Utah, USA
25 posted 2009-09-21 12:16 PM


*S*  thank you so much for taking the time to go back and read my poems.  that means the world to me.   This one is one of my favorite works.  I think it says a lot.

Love always,
Tracey

Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #45 » This Old Dirt Road

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary