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Open Poetry #44
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LindsayP
Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410
Australia, Victoria

0 posted 2009-04-29 11:05 PM



              The Old Water Tank

I saw it there on the side of the road painted in heritage green,
A shelter shed for the school bus kids, a more original seldom is seen,
As the children wait there out of the rain, they have a farmer to thank,
Instead of taking it down to the tip he made good use of an old water tank.

He cut out one end and stood it up straight, under the shade of a tree,
Then into it’s side a doorway he cut, quite easy for all to see,
It made me think of the ways you can use a tank past it’s use by date
And all of the things that come to mind I’m quite happy here to relate.

For so many years they’ll stand on a stand then the joints will grow weak
The rust takes over where each sheet joins & finally they start to leak,
But very few tanks are thrown away, they’re often taken down to the shed,
Where they’re cut in half & used in the yard where horses & cattle are fed.

And then quite a few still rest quite close to where they originally stood,
They lay on their side with the end cut out & keep dry the farmers wood,
As a dry kennel for working dogs, the smaller tanks are put to good use
Sometimes with some straw thrown in it’s a really good nest for a goose.

Sometimes a farmer splits an old tank in more or less identical halves,
They’re cozy& warm in winter time and are a great shelter for the calves,
They’re often used for a compost bin in which all green rubbish is thrown,
The only thing is that it makes it quite hard for the dog to bury his bone.

There are so many ways to use an old tank when circumstances demand,
Stood on end with boards on top, for the super it makes a good stand,
There are other ways too, but at the moment my mind has gone blank
But when it gets old & starts to leak, don’t throw away the old water tank.

Lindsay


© Copyright 2009 Lindsay P Wilson - All Rights Reserved
Robert E. Jordan
Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1 posted 2009-04-29 11:15 PM


Yo Lindsay,

What you say is so true.  As an old corrosion engineer, I've inspected many tanks and sent them to their graveyard because they presented a hazard to the people that were using them.  Tanks do blow up and kill people you know.  

It's good to see there life extended to more noble use.

Bobby

[This message has been edited by Robert E. Jordan (04-30-2009 12:35 AM).]

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
2 posted 2009-04-30 01:28 AM


Very interesting, Lindsay. I learned a lot that I didn't know from your poem.
                                    Ida

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
3 posted 2009-05-01 09:24 AM


You took me on a memory trip... I grew up on a farm and so many things went on to different lives once their initial one was done. Enjoyed this very much, my friend!!
Boshii2
Member
since 2009-02-01
Posts 146

4 posted 2009-05-01 01:28 PM


rolled on its side,got me red gum stacked in mine...blooming bonzer.    kind regards Boshii2.
WTBAKELAR
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Senior Member
since 2008-09-09
Posts 1089
Utah, USA
5 posted 2009-05-01 04:32 PM


Lindsay, my Friend,
Uh,  "There are other ways too, but at the moment my mind has gone blank
But when it gets old & starts to leak, don’t throw away the old water tank"

Your nickname isn't "Tank" is it?
I hope not.

Great poem.
Tracey.

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

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
6 posted 2009-05-01 06:31 PM


Ejoyed reading this...reminded me of an old water tank in Seal Beach, California on Pacific Coast Hwy that they have converted to a home...James
LindsayP
Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410
Australia, Victoria
7 posted 2009-05-01 10:17 PM



Bobby, Ida, Ruth, Boshii, Tracey and James,
Thanks so much folks for making the effort

to give me a kind comment, I really appreciate them, and Tracey my nick name is certainly not tank, in fact I don't have a

nick name. May the sun shine upon you folks
and bring a big smile to your faces. God bless.

Lindsay

Alison
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!
8 posted 2009-05-03 11:17 PM


It's amazing how innovative we can be if we just use our imaginations.  This is great, Lindsay.  I'd like to have an old tank to fill with water for a swimming pool for one of my dogs.  She would love that!

Take care and thank you for all your poems and smiles.

Alison

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