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Open Poetry #31
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a little bit of sweat
| Open Poetry #31 |
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a little bit of sweat |
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Sadelite Member Elite
since 2003-10-11
Posts 2519 |
So it seems each generation becomes taller More able to see the startling things around them. Emphasis is placed on body building And to trim waist a size smaller. I regress. At times, I’m in the barn with grandpa, A man of third grade education Feeding and haying the animals While he’s teaching me multiplication. He wasn’t a large man, or a man of bulging bronze But a simple man, who knew his needs and wants. Sometimes, I mentally climb into my mother’s stories Taking wobbly trips down the rocky hill in weathered wagon led by Jack and Nell, then, Grandpa’s best friends for survival glories. There, we’d spend the August day shoveling From the creek enough gravel to last three seasons. Refreshing perspiration would warm my face With realization I had no idle hands, no devil’s eviling Grandpa wasn’t a muscle man, but a man of clever. One, who in everyday, used mechanics To stretch a fence or frame a barn Depending on no one, nothing but pulley and lever. Passed have three generations. Each having stronger, larger bodies, and better education. Yet, they’re challenged by weeding a garden, changing a tire or fixing a flat, repairing the roof, pulling an engine or priming a pump. As generations leave and new ones begin to grow In a world of convenient drive-through, Automation becomes first nature. Be cautious, Children; don’t let your independence go. When mind, body, work entwine, A sense of accomplishment Is felt through every bead of sweat. [This message has been edited by Sadelite (04-08-2004 02:26 AM).] |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
Too true, things have changed. The kids aren't into the same things and are too dependent on the convenient electronic world that surrounds them. If most of them were caught in a real life situation where it took physical combined with mental ingenuity to make their way then sadly many of them would fail. Scary! Thought provoking write! Eric Ain't doin nothin at all |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
I have got to make sure my daughter reads this one... |
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Paul Wilson
since 2002-07-07
Posts 4711United States |
Sadie...Your words are so true. You have to get a few blisters on your hands in order to appreciate what real work is. A lesson in reality 101. So many people these days just call someone on their cell phone if they break down on the highway cause they don't know how to change a tire or fix a hose Thanks for sharing...Paul "To share my poems with you is to share my heart with you" |
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LeeJ Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296 |
and your grandfather stood 10 feet tall, (thats a tremendous complement) as does life and experience, I believe we are so fortunate to have all these things. Lovely write! |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Sadie...how well I understand, and am smiling at your memories. I have some of these for my very own. It is my belief that young people, girls OR boys, who never know a callus in the palm of their hand, will never know a profound, self-satisfied feeling of success within. |
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Professor Gloom Member Elite
since 2000-07-23
Posts 3082of Depression |
The sweat of the brow The accomplishments brought about All very worthy Enjoyed your poetic story Gloom |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
As Walter Cronkite used to say, "And that's the way it is!" Yeppers, Dear Sadie! You've summed it up perfectly! I enjoy your writing! Thank you for sharing your family with us! ~ Loved your grandpa! A family that works together, stays together! lol  EA |
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garysgirl 
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
Sadie, I like to think upon memories, too. And yours are a treat to read of. Thank you. Hugs, Ethel |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
How well I know the truth of this. A good record for our kids! |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
Came back for a second read of this wonderful write. Happy Easter! |
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ThisDiamond Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353Michigan, USA |
Sadie: Have I told you how glad I am that you found us here, and brought these wonderful thoughts in such beautiful prism? I'm so glad you found us here! Happy Easter. TD |
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Copperbell Senior Member
since 2003-11-08
Posts 956 |
soo good! it is a scary thought though |
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GG Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532Lost in thought |
So true. I have my father on my case about how much he wants me to go to a 4 year college and... I think that'd be great, colleges are needed for some people. But if I want to be some massage therapist or day car worker then it won't do me much good. People don't seem to accept that sometimes not doing everything does't mean you're not doing what you want. Ahh I guess I'm a bit determined with this subject right now, I need sleep. Good to read you, I've heardly been here lately and I've missed this... Always, Alyssa He was a man of sorrows |
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Sadelite Member Elite
since 2003-10-11
Posts 2519 |
Thank you Everyone! I appreciate your reflections very much. GG, It was nice to hear from you, too. I understand the dilemma that young people face after high school. Three of the four kids in my family finished college, and then there was my brother...My brother was "encouraged to go to college" and flunked a class his first quarter, quit, created his own business and retired extremely successful at forty (much more financially secure that those of us who went to college. (Yet, I would not trade my college ed.) College is not for everyone. I'm sure you'll do well at whatever you try. Sadie |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I like this very much. *S* Growing up, I never knew what it meant to be bored... for chores came first and "my" time was delicious reward, jealously guarded. *S* So I find myself a bit flabbergasted when my nephew needs help to find "fun"... It always seemed to come easily to us... and the thought of it hurried us through our work! |
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