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Untold Story
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Untold Story |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State 
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I like to think that Daddy's gold watch chain, And the way it came about, Was the true story of the "The Magi"; That O. Henry had mixed it up a little, and changed it, As sometimes happens. I remember it, his beautiful chain. Heavy and each link engraved with dainty leaves, Each of us had played with it, Sometimes pulling out his heavy, silver-plated watch, Just to hear it tick. I didn't know it then of course, But it was the golden chain that Daddy prized, Not the watch it guarded. He could have bought a dozen more of those at any store, But never another chain so fine. I wish I'd asked, I don't know how it came about, That Mama turned her gold, linked bracelet, Into a chain for Daddy. See it there draping her gloved hand In their wedding picture? Somehow they never told us private things. So busy making a good life for all of us. We were his treasures, the seven of us And Mama and her auburn hair. Then came the golden chain. I like to think it was that first sweet Christmas, When they were still alone. That she loved him enough to have her Treasured bracelet altered and Surprised him with her gift. He wore a leather thong to Hold his watch on weekdays. Only on Sunday or other times When he put on his suit, Did he proudly add the prized chain. That's why it happened that the chain Was on the dresser in their bedroom When the fire started. Daddy was still on the farm And Mama saved us. It was so cold, the fire engines couldn't come. Daddy came by sled in time To carry the library table out. It was too late and the flames too hot To save much else. I have that table now, my precious heirloom. Daddy searched the ashes of our home As soon as they had cooled. I saw the tears when he told Mama, "The chain is gone." Joyce 10/14/2000 [This message has been edited by Joyce Johnson (04-13-2002 04:58 PM).] |
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| © Copyright 2002 Joyce I Johnson - All Rights Reserved | |||
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pegasus111 Member Elite
since 2000-07-27
Posts 2219ocala, fl, usa |
oh Joyce. This is such a heartwarming story. It reminds me of old classic movies like "Little Women' and "How Green Was My Valley". If this is a piece of your youth, what a splendid youth it must have been in that house. the woods are lovely, dark, and deep, but I have promises to keep, and many miles to go before I sleep...Frost |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
Thank you dear Pegasus111. Yes, indeed this was a small chapter from a very happy childhood. Love, Joyce |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
Joyce: A wonderful, touching story and to think you have the table that your father rescued. The chain may be gone, but your memories have created a chain to your past. Betty Lou Hebert |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
OhJoyce~ If only you knew the tears this one stirred from my well-of-memories~ It's lovely .... and tenderly written~ My story doesn't end as nostalgically lovely as yours ... but, I'd like to share it if I may ... I was but fourteen ... when my father was killed in a dynamite explosion at his workplace ... weeks later the fire marshall and his crew were investigating the site and found the only remaining piece of identifiable remains of my father ... his pocket watch ... with the hands welded/rusted into the time ... 8:09 a.m.~ They were good-hearted enough to present me with their find ... which remains with me to this day. Time literally 'stands still in memory' each time I hold my father's watch~ Your story is so lovely and I cherish the thought of your father's gold chain and the lovely story behind it~ Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece~ *Hugs* ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
Dear Betty Thank you for your kind remarks. yes I have wonderful memories. Joyce |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
Dear Marge, Oh I hope my story didn't bring back memories to make you sad. I see why you would cherish his watch. I am so sorry. What a thing for a young girl to have to accept. My Daddy died a peaceful death at 79 years. Love, Joyce |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Joyce~ Oh hon ... after all these years, yes, it still brings a tear of sweet remembering ... A beautiful e-mail sharing from our dear friend, BettyLou/Trillium reminded me of a piece I did in honor of my remembering ... I hope you'll enjoy it even half as much as I enjoyed yours~ /pip/Forum48/HTML/001878.html *Hugs* ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
Thank you Marge for finding it for me. Very tender and dear. He died at 40, so young. My children's daddy died at 41. A heart attack. Such a waste. But they will never be forgotten as long as we can remember and write our poetry. Love, Joyce |
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ellie LeJeune Member Elite
since 2000-01-10
Posts 4156King of Prussia, PA USA |
Joyce; this is so lovely and how blessed you are with such sweet memories... A friend hears the song in my heart, and sings it to me when my memory fails. |
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