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clawmute
Junior Member

since 2007-10-01

Posts 24
Arkansas, USA

0 posted 2007-10-02 03:33 PM

DUDE WINKLER
(my Grandfather)
By Frank Lee Jennings

I can see him now in my mind’s eye
A shuttle in his hand
Pulling fast the netter’s knot
Of loose laid cotton strand

While I sat by just watching him
Just watching while he wove
His netting twine formed onto hoops
He’d made of green white oak

He wove and spoke as I recall
“How old are you Frank Lee”?
“I’m twelve” I said, and he replied
“So soon a man you’ll be”

John Lee Winkler fished to live
And lived to fish I know
The Arkansas before the dams
Choked off its mighty flow

I remember now his weathered hands
Creased with scars and time
From hauling in the heavy nets
And setting out the lines

His old John boat was laden down
With buckets bait and gear
As he headed up the river
Long before the dawn was near

Giant Gars would tangle in his nets
And tear them all to shreds
Three hundred pounds and better,
But they usually ended dead

Dude once took one to the Zoo
It lived there for awhile
Mama took us to see it
When I was just a child

Its many years now he’s been gone
That old time pioneer
I touched the past by knowing him
That much to me is clear

If I live to be one hundred
I never will forget
The picture in my mind’s eye
Of that old man mending nets

KNOWLEDGE IS A DEFENSE AND MONEY IS A DEFENSE, BUT THE EXCELLENCY OF WISDOM IS THAT IT GIVES LIFE TO THEM THAT HAVE IT.

Joyce Johnson

Member Rara Avis

since 2001-03-10

Posts 9912
Washington State

1 posted 2007-10-02 03:36 PM

Great remembering poetry. Joyce

Songbird
Member Elite

since 1999-12-15

Posts 2184
Missouri

2 posted 2007-10-02 03:59 PM

I am reading all of your poetry..

Kit McCallum

Administrator

Member Laureate

since 2000-04-30

Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada

3 posted 2007-10-02 04:09 PM

Now this left me smiling, clawmute. Welcome to Passions!

Wonderful story-telling ... it flowed effortlessly, and gave me an endearing visual. Very much enjoyed this.

Best wishes,
/Kit

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis

since 2007-09-16

Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California

4 posted 2007-10-02 09:46 PM

You tell a great story Clawmute. Lovely tribute to your Grandfather. I enjoyed it very much.
Ida

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