Open Poetry #45 |
![]() ![]() |
This Old Dirt Road |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
WTBAKELAR![]()
since 2008-09-09
Posts 1089Utah, USA ![]() |
This Old Dirt Road How many dreamers have passed by here, Travelers on life’s lonely trail, Pioneers, farmers, prospectors and cowboys, All with a different story to tell, Some with a promise of fortunes, Rainbows and fields of clover, Many are looking for a new way of life, Others, just hoping to start over, By foot, by handcart, on horseback and wagons, Over the years this old road they’ve crossed, Through mishaps, sickness, cold, hunger and heartache, The survivors buried those that were lost, Along this byway, I’ve walked many a mile, While I thought of those that have passed, It’s easy to see what they were looking for, How they built on foundations that would last, So many people have crossed this way, On bowed backs they carried the load, With the burdens of life, and a hope for the future, They traveled, “This Old Dirt Road”. The answer is always NO, Until the question is asked. [This message has been edited by WTBAKELAR (06-24-2009 10:21 PM).] |
||
© Copyright 2009 Wm. Tracey Bakelar - All Rights Reserved | |||
Oklahoma Rose Senior Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 1586Oklahoma USA |
I really like this Tracey. I have traveled down many a roads, where I ended up having to start over. And, boy do I hate starting over. The last time was back in December 2002. Although this path is sometimes rough, I think it is the best. |
||
Robert E. Jordan Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Yo tracy, This is a well done poem. I once lived on a dirt road. That was in my bee keeping days. I sold a lot of honey. The bees kept the dust out of the honey. I stay away from dirt roads when I can. Bobby |
||
WTBAKELAR![]()
since 2008-09-09
Posts 1089Utah, USA |
Susan, Thank you so much for you wonderful comments and perspective, and person fealings this poem brought out. I myself have had to start over several times, leaving with no more than what fit in the truck. Take care on this journey, Love Tracey. |
||
WTBAKELAR![]()
since 2008-09-09
Posts 1089Utah, USA |
Bobby, Bee Keeper eh? I used to operate a transfer terminal that supplied bee keepers with High Fructose corn syrup to feed the bees in the winter months in Texas. I was so surprized to find out that a bee colony can consume 50,000 lbs of sweetner per month. Thanks for your comments and sharing a piece of your past. Take care, Tracey |
||
Billie Cullimore Member
since 2009-03-27
Posts 315 |
Hi! Son; I just read your latest poem and as always love it . I haven't opened my computer for about a week. I have been so busy with D.U.P.Etc. This work has so much to say, I feel the love of ancestors, history, pioneers, church, pride in who and what we are and what we have to offer. Of what we learn on the dirt road of life. Life is very seldom smooth sailing. But, we learn from the dirt we some times have to tred. Keep up the good work. Love Mom |
||
Bill Charles Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619highways, & byways, for now |
WTBAKELAR - I do like this poem. Just the words say many things... BC |
||
Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
It's a most beautiful tribute to those who walked the Road before you and a great lesson of life for all. It took so much courage to cope with the unknown challenges, but Hope really was what kept them going. And so we learn from them to never give in, even if the circumstances appear to be rough. Enjoyed this very much, dear Tracey. Love, Margherita |
||
LindsayP Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410Australia, Victoria |
Yes, that is a great poem Tracey and I think most people who have trodden that dirt road are the better for it. It not only builds your character but teaches you to keep going no matter what the odds might be. Great read my friend. Lindsay |
||
Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
"Go west, young man. Go west." ![]() The poet in you has a pioneering spirit. I could see all those walking the "Old Dirt Road" before you! A great write Tracey! Love 'n a hug, Linda ![]() |
||
Sonofgloin Junior Member
since 2009-06-09
Posts 48Australia |
WT,the road becomes the primary for me, the silent witness to our plights, the passing parade.....loved it mate...thanks....Paul |
||
WTBAKELAR![]()
since 2008-09-09
Posts 1089Utah, USA |
Mom, Bill, Margherita, Lindsay, Linda, and Paul, Thank you all so very much for your wonderful comments and insights, Your taking the time to read and enjoy my poem means the world to me. Thank you again, Love, Tracey. |
||
unboundpoetess Member
since 2008-05-24
Posts 477 |
I grew up on a dirt road rimmed with tiger lillies and a few hundred acres of farmland ending at the river. You feel a weight there, a gravity... The stones that the slave quarters were built upon still sit below the garden, moved years ago to make way for vegetables. I have fingered the arrowheads and other relics dug up by tractors in the bottom lands below our horses, and there close to the river are stones for nameless graves. Lots of stories there. Enjoyed this. H |
||
WTBAKELAR![]()
since 2008-09-09
Posts 1089Utah, USA |
unboundpoetess, I am so happy my poem gave you cause to Reminisce, What lovely memories. You know the dirt road of which I speak, "Welcome Home" Means something to people. Thank you for your wonderful comments, Heather, Tracey. |
||
Dreamer05 Junior Member
since 2009-06-23
Posts 30Kansas |
I like this. I like that I can visualize the old dirt road and the people walking it. Old, young, in between, I can see and feel their struggle and that just pulls at something in my heart. We've all been down many a road before, weather dirt or paved or gravel. Its our trek down those roads we take that make us who we are, that can make us stronger and better people. Well done! ~Dreamer05~ |
||
WTBAKELAR![]()
since 2008-09-09
Posts 1089Utah, USA |
Metaphors, or Reality, We all chose the path that we walk through life, and often are guided by other down this road, I am reminded of my ancestor’s plight as they traveled west to find a new home. We all have it pretty easy in comparison. I am so glad you all enjoyed my poem, Love always, Tracey. |
||
Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
I know this road, Tracey. Ida |
||
WTBAKELAR![]()
since 2008-09-09
Posts 1089Utah, USA |
Marchmadness, Ya know, that says it all, doesn't it? Thank you for your meaningful comments, Love, Tracey. |
||
Goldenrose Member Elite
since 2003-05-30
Posts 3665 |
Not sure if this is serious or not, so dont know if i should perhaps laugh...well written though...thank you.. Goldenrose. |
||
Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Oh, if we could only know whose footsteps we were walking on. This title is catching and draws you in to some intriguing thoughts very well done Liz |
||
WTBAKELAR![]()
since 2008-09-09
Posts 1089Utah, USA |
Goldenrose, I am happy that your found another side to this poem, You must have read between the lines, or maybe down the middle of this road. Thank you for your appreciation, Tracey |
||
WTBAKELAR![]()
since 2008-09-09
Posts 1089Utah, USA |
Liz, my friend, Thank you so much for stopping in to walk with me for a moment in time, on "This Old Dirt Road" Love, Tracey. |
||
vandana![]()
since 1999-10-22
Posts 10463USA |
nice read ![]() |
||
WTBAKELAR![]()
since 2008-09-09
Posts 1089Utah, USA |
Vandana, so glad you stopped by, and enjoyed. Much thanks. Tracey. |
||
suthern![]() ![]()
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
The old dirt road I knew best is all but overgrown now... but even as my car navigates the brush, my eyes see sandy footprints and I'm home. *S* Thank you for a beautiful poem and morning memories! *S* |
||
WTBAKELAR![]()
since 2008-09-09
Posts 1089Utah, USA |
*S* thank you so much for taking the time to go back and read my poems. that means the world to me. This one is one of my favorite works. I think it says a lot. Love always, Tracey |
||
![]() ![]() |
⇧ top of page ⇧ |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format. |