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Joyce Johnson
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0 posted 2002-04-17 05:50 PM




"Awaken"

My daddy had no sympathy
For hired man or progeny
Who stayed up late and then would squawk
When he heard Daddy's wake up knock.

My daddy went to bed by nine
And he thought five A.M. was fine
To start the day and do the chores
That were awaiting him outdoors.

"Awaken now," I'd hear him call.
He'd say it once and that was all.
If sleeper did not then arise,
He'd fire the hired, his son chastise.

If dallying the night before,
My brother still must do his chore.
He'd rise at Daddy's wake up call
"Awaken now," that would be all.

My daddy was the first one up.
He'd build a fire and brew a cup
Of coffee and my mother then
Could sleep a little while again.

I was glad not to be his son,
Such early rising was no fun.
I'd sleep another hour or two.
Girls had no outdoor chores to do.

His daughter now, wakes by the clock.
But oh, she'd like to hear his knock
And wake up call to start the day.
"Awaken," all he'd need to say.

By: Joyce 4/17/02

© Copyright 2002 Joyce I Johnson - All Rights Reserved
ellie LeJeune
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since 2000-01-10
Posts 4156
King of Prussia, PA USA
1 posted 2002-04-17 06:30 PM


This poem is so lovely, Joyce..so grand to have such wonderful memories! Hugs, Ellie

A friend hears the song in my heart, and sings it to me when my memory fails.

Joyce Johnson
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2 posted 2002-04-17 07:34 PM


Thank you Ellie for reading and commenting.  I appreciate it .  Joyce
Trillium
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3 posted 2002-04-17 11:45 PM


Joyce:  This brought back so many memories of life on the farm.  I too, did not do outside chores except for gathering eggs and skimming the cream off the milk pans, before we got a separator.  I would hear the men getting up and going downstairs and feel so pampered because I could snuggle in bed.  Great poem Joyce!

Betty Lou Hebert

Joyce Johnson
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4 posted 2002-04-18 01:31 AM


Thank you Betty.  I sure never worried about being equal to men in those days.  Joyce
2dalimit
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since 2000-02-08
Posts 2228
Mississippi coast
5 posted 2002-04-18 07:55 AM


I like the strong responsible view. The dallying is still with us today, though.

Thanks,  
Melton

Marge Tindal
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6 posted 2002-04-18 09:32 AM


Joyce~
Poignant memories to stir the morning~
*Hugs*
~*Marge*~

~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
         noles1@totcon.com                    

Joyce Johnson
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7 posted 2002-04-18 01:15 PM


Dear Melton.  Dally was a word my dad used when he was urging us to hurrry. "Come on, don't dally now." He had not much use for lazy folk. Joyce
Joyce Johnson
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8 posted 2002-04-18 01:17 PM


Thanks Marge.  My dad was such a strong character.  In a quiet way.  Joyce
pegasus111
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since 2000-07-27
Posts 2219
ocala, fl, usa
9 posted 2002-04-18 02:47 PM


Not being a farmboy, I have slightly different memories. My father was long gone to work  before my mother would wake us for school. She too would call us once. After that it was everybody for himself when she came back with the broom....LOLOL..

the woods are lovely, dark, and deep, but I have promises to keep, and many miles to go before I sleep...Frost



Joyce Johnson
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10 posted 2002-04-18 03:47 PM


Dear Peg111,  My mom had her ways too.  Joyce
BloomingRose
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since 2000-08-09
Posts 3092
Florida
11 posted 2002-04-19 04:20 PM


Good write Joyce. This awakens memories of my grandma calling me to get out of bed.
She would call me, then she would come after me with her HUGE comb! OUCH!!
No work, no play. LOL

Deb

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