navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #15 » My Mamaw , The Bell Ringer
Open Poetry #15
Post A Reply Post New Topic My Mamaw , The Bell Ringer Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
rwood
Member Elite
since 2000-02-29
Posts 3793
Tennessee

0 posted 2001-08-18 11:24 AM



She was the virginic wiles
Of deep country style
Making many men quiver in their farm land.
If it weren't for crops of siblings to tend to
She would have escaped the rough hand, milked.

She took it in stride, and grew pure as thistle
Puffing pink in bloom, along the dirt roads.
The bobby socks of adventure, she never gave in
Till my Papaw came round the bend.

He was full of dreams and handsome in smile
Gave her breath, a light flip of sigh
Seems she liked his eyes
And the tall drink of water, quenched her thirst.

So they set out on trail, of babies and diaper pails
She sang the hymns of her youth
As she hang those sets out to dry in summer breezes
Her task was never completed, but still she smiled

Once the house caught fire, and babes on the wire
She ran to get each one out. Counting 4 she had
to rescue one more. The little one hid, scared
and frozen, she called his name, screaming.

Papaw was gone to town. Left her with the apron
full. She found the little one hiding under bed
And ran out while the house burnt down. Escaping
Certain death. Counting each finger, each head

When Papaw arrived in silent shock he stared, "What in Christ's name happened?" He spit. The only other thing she grabbed, headed out the door, was the iron skillet. Which she plunked on his head, daring

Through gritted teeth she spoke, "Take not the Lord's Name in vain" you idiot! Seems Papaw had a bad habit. Voicing his racket, as the women were to stay in the house and pregnant. She was prepared.

To show him the tool of equality. Swinging just right and hitting the nail on the head. Ringing his ears with pure Country Harmony. Making every day
A new song of shared chores, and togetherness.

© Copyright 2001 Regina Wood - All Rights Reserved
Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
1 posted 2001-08-18 01:55 PM


Rwood,
A work well worth the read. And a lesson given with the deed.

ethome
Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858
New Brunswick Canada
2 posted 2001-08-18 02:27 PM


Oh the pain of teaching us men the terms of equality. This is wonderfully written! I love the story style and the lesson within!  Sometimes it takes a thump on the head I guess.    very enjoyable!!
Marge Tindal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
3 posted 2001-08-18 02:57 PM


RWood~
This is absolutely  B R I L L I A N T  !
What a delightful read~

You sure have a knack for 'hitting the nail on the head' !
*Hugs*
~*Marge*~

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

poetsguild
Member
since 2001-08-12
Posts 85
Florida
4 posted 2001-08-18 03:02 PM


What a wonderful story
and poetic phrasing
touched my heart
and my funnybone

excellent work

rwood
Member Elite
since 2000-02-29
Posts 3793
Tennessee
5 posted 2001-08-19 08:29 AM


Seymour: Thanks! I'm glad you read it that way as well.

ethome: Thank you so much! Yes a thump is all it took thankfully. As they are still teaching me today after 54 years of marriage.

Marge: Many thanks for your gracious replies!

Poetsguild: She is so comical, in a very country, gracefull sort of way. Thank you for reading.

Sincerely,
Regina

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 #15 » My Mamaw , The Bell Ringer

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