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Prairie Winter
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Prairie Winter |
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Trillium 
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA 
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This is based on an event in one of my ancestors lives, when her husband left her on a homestead in Montana, to go looking for gold in the Alaska gold rush in 1898. It's been a lonely winter here. I've been alone and filled with fear. Not noted for my bravery, Yet life has called it forth from me. I've faced the wind, the snow and cold. My husband's gone to search for gold. He left me here away last fall And went to answer Mammon's call. I've had a horse and cow to tend. An old brown dog I count as friend. The dugout is a gloomy place. The window shows the snowy face Of all the land that round here lies Beneath the leaden sweep of skies And even on a sunny day, I still can't drive sad thoughts away. I have to hang on for awhile. There is a slowly ebbing pile Of rice and beans, some flour too. That has to be enough to do. Some days I think I will go mad, Remembering the hopes we had When we first came to homestead here, But by myself it's very clear, Though hopes die hard, mine are quite dead. Survival claims my thoughts instead. So when it's spring, I'll make my way Back to my family to stay. There's nothing left except to go. One winter is enough, I know! Betty Lou Hebert Published on The Poetic Link 6/26/2000 [This message has been edited by Trillium (edited 05-28-2001).] |
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| © Copyright 2001 Betty Lou Hebert - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
In this day and age we really have no concept of how hard life must have been back then. Great expression, Betty Lou! |
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Songbird Member Elite
since 1999-12-15
Posts 2184Missouri |
I could really feel her loneliness and concerns. |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
Good job Betty. I often think of those pioneers with awe. Joyce |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
Denise, Songbird and Joyce: Thank you all for reading and commenting. I'm glad you all liked the poem. Betty Lou Hebert |
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Romy Senior Member
since 2000-05-28
Posts 1170Plantation, Florida |
Very nice job on your poem, I enjoyed reading it! |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
Romy: Thanks and I appreciate your comments. Betty Lou Hebert |
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