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Open Poetry #47
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Family
| Open Poetry #47 |
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Family |
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jwesley Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563Spring, Texas 
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 Family My father knew this place so many years ago, as did his father, and mother, his grandparents before them. You could say - we came from this place. Granddad's parents settled on this land back in the land-rush days, built this place, different then, but built this place, our place since then. Their place since then. Only mine since Dad died, and mom. Me, I never lived here, it was mostly gone when I was born, the trees were smaller, but there, and the sides stood taller, but headed down – still, I knew this place. I have feelings here, memories I never lived, emotions not my own, laughter and tears shared, felt inside of me, of family. My father knew this place, and I do too – My heart resides here, was born here, this place is Family. © wesley james beard, jr. march 2011 Note: Of course nothing here, except the picture, is true. Just words to try and put 'life' into it. j. |
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| © Copyright 2011 Wesley James Beard, Jr. - All Rights Reserved | |||
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
Reminds me off what used to be "the old place," where my grandfather and grandmother lived and raised a family of four girls working hard-scrabble land in Arkansas dirt. ~ If you don't want gays in the military, make the uniforms ugly. ~ |
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faithmairee Senior Member
since 2011-01-05
Posts 1441Poe Haven, USA |
i absolutely love this one and your photo is awesome...great poem! There must be a poem in here somewhere. |
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Alison 
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy! |
I read the poem first and really enjoyed it as I pictured the place. Then I saw the picture and my mouth fell open. I love this picture. I really love it. A |
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dreamgal Member
since 2011-03-17
Posts 442 |
It still is your "home" if you will, your ancestors lived here and you have those memories they've shared which become a part of you. Beautiful picture and an enjoyable write. Dreamgal |
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
You have captured that feeling of home and family that we all long for, Jimmy. It seems to follow us always, even from long ago. Ida |
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Richy Member Elite
since 2003-05-03
Posts 3050 |
I have feelings here, memories I never lived, emotions not my own, laughter and tears shared, felt inside of me, of family. That was pretty sweet friend, and that picture was the perfect accompaniment. What better place in the whole world, then home. Wonderfully done!  |
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Lori Grosser Rhoden Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202Fair to middlin' of nowhere |
You are a fortunate man to have roots so deep and can honor them in words. I belive it is unanimous on the photo being perfect. Lori |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
there are lots of places that are similar to this out here in Arkansas. Nicely done Jimmy, thanks for sharing this piece with me.  |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
This poem alone is remarkable. The connections our roots are grounded in indeed tie us to that place. Wonderful pic as well. Michael |
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ice Member Elite
since 2003-05-17
Posts 3404Pennsylvania |
A wonderful picture, and a deeply felt poem, J.W. This poem is worth far more than the sum of its parts...A reminder of a book I read years ago by Wendel Berry. If you don't know Mr. Berry, and his books of poems, fiction, and nonfiction, I strongly suggest you look him up.Especially "The unsettling of America", as there is much to do about your poem in it. He writes of family and land..as you have done so well here. "I have feelings here, memories I never lived, emotions not my own, laughter and tears shared, felt inside of me, of family." The disconnection from the land caused by industrialazation (sp?) has been a disaster for our culture and society. Factories wiped out the farms and culture in my home county..Just as WalMart has wiped out the small stores in the rural county where I live now. "..laughter and tears shared, felt inside of me, of family." Most will never feel this, Most will never receive the gift that you write about here.. Thank You for the poem. |
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JL Member Ascendant
since 2004-04-01
Posts 6128Texas, USA |
It's where the heart is that we call home. I enjoyed your story J. Really enjoyed. JL Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself. |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I have feelings here, memories I never lived, emotions not my own, laughter and tears shared, felt inside of me, of family. This reminded me of a visit I made with my Dad to his old homeplace... the lone remaining building was in even worse shape... but daffodils were blooming where his mother's back door once had been. I was on my belly trying to get a good picture and looked up... into the barrel of a shotgun. LOL Seems the new owners wasn't very welcoming! LOL He had some old cars parked nearby and had been having trouble with thieves. But his attitude changed quickly when he realized why we'd stopped... he talked with my Dad about people who'd lived in that area... and offered to dig up some daffodil bulbs so I could have more than a picture. *S* As you see... you took me down memory lane... I appreciate both the poem and the trip! *S* |
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tracie66 Member Elite
since 2000-01-18
Posts 4713Australia |
awesome picture, awesome words - very touching indeed Love is the life of the soul... |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
I could have sworn I had seen the photo before, and the same poem too! I hope it is a repost - otherwise I am in my second childhood! Absolutely lovely, Jimmy - a treasure, both the poem and the photo. Giggled helplessly at Ruth's story, but only because she didn't get shot! Hope you accepted the offer of the daffodils, Ruth. Owl |
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
You certainly found most fitting and touching words to accompany this glorious picture, dear Jimmy. Margherita |
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