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Farmer Joe
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Farmer Joe |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State 
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On the banks of the mighty Skagit where the rushing waters flow, Sat a fisherman of merit, by the name of Farmer Joe. Long he sat there, long he fished there, always waiting for the day He would catch a mighty salmon and it wouldn't get away. He had lived upon the prairies, where crop farming was his life; Working hard to care for family, seven children and a wife. Times were hard and for a farmer,it was toil and toil some more. If good crops, the price was lower, if good prices, crops were poor. He worked hard did this poor farmer and he fed his family well; For he raised this big truck garden, pigs to eat and cream to sell. He thought often of his childhood, on the banks of the Wabash, Where he spent his youth just fishing, some for eating, some for cash. Rationed water on the prairies, in the years when it was dry; Made him long so for the rivers, even tough old farmers cry. Family raised, he quit his farming and he headed for the West, Where he'd heard of powerful rivers where the fishing was the best. Once he saw the Skagit River in the state of Washington, Said he, "We'll go no further, for I know this is the one." Stayed he there by that big river, never straying far away. Stayed he there and fished it daily, it was now his time to play. Grown old he had at farming, he had just a few years left, For to catch that wary salmon, that great one of mighty heft. When the fishing season opened, he'd get up at break of day; Fix his breakfast and his lunch sack, he'd be on that bank to stay. There he met his fishing cronies, all retired with leisure time. Sat they fishing by the river, all these fellows past their prime. Then, one day at last it happened, he pulled out that fishing prize. Then they weighed and then they measured and declared it super size. And the fisherman of merit, the one known as Farmer Joe, Grinned and said, "I'm glad I did it, ere 'twas time for me to go." God in heaven must have noticed how he longed for that big fish. Said He then, " I'll let him stay there long enough to get his wish." On my wall there hangs a picture of that farmer and his prize; For that farmer was my daddy, who a few weeks later dies. Called he then to old St. Peter, standing guard at the Golden Gate. "Welcome Joe, said that old fisherman. "Come on in, the fishing's great." By: Joyce 7/26/2000 (He got his fish on March 4th. He died that same month on the 28th.) |
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| © Copyright 2001 Joyce I Johnson - All Rights Reserved | |||
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2dalimit Member Elite
since 2000-02-08
Posts 2228Mississippi coast |
God bless you for honoring your father with such a smooth reading story. Melton |
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Wikket Member
since 2000-01-29
Posts 340Santa Clara, CA USA |
Such a wonderful story about your Father, Joyce. I'm sure he would be honored to have you write about him so sweetly! ~~Jamie  I mean the opposite of what I say. You've got it now? No, it's the other way. ~Bruce Bennett |
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kcsgrandma Senior Member
since 2000-09-24
Posts 1522Presque Isle, ME |
I am impressed! You told the story beautifully, and kept my attention all the way through (not always easy to do  ). I hope you hang the poem next to the picture.To love another person is to see the face of God. |
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coyote Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 1077 |
Great tribute Joyce. And a smooth flowing read,very good rythmn to the ryhme. Reminiscent of Longfellow, actually. I loved it! "The poet is the priest of the invisible." |
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Dopey Dope
Moderator
Member Patricius
since 2000-08-30
Posts 11132San Juan, Puerto Rico |
Beautiful poem!!! Wonderful tribute. I enjoyed this very much!  I was born myself, raised myself, and will continue to be myself. The world will just have to adjust. |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
To everyone who took the time to read my poem and to comment. I hesitated long on just where to post it. My Dad was and is so dear to my heart that I did not want to put it somewhere it would not be appreciated. Thank you, thank you. Joyce |
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pegasus111 Member Elite
since 2000-07-27
Posts 2219ocala, fl, usa |
Joyce, this is a wonderful piece. you are so talented. I am glad you decided to post in the pub. the woods are lovely, dark, and deep, but I have promises to keep, and many miles to go before I sleep...Frost |
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Andrew Scott Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558Redlands,CA,USA |
A fine fine tribute... You remember and honor him well. I bow to you and your efforts with thanks for sharing. Peace! |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
This is a great story Joyce and very well done. It's even more special because it's true. What wonderful memories you must have of your father. Thanks for sharing this. Betty Lou Hebert |
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