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Sadelite
Member Elite
since 2003-10-11
Posts 2519


0 posted 2004-04-08 01:33 AM



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).]

© Copyright 2004 Sadelite - All Rights Reserved
ethome
Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858
New Brunswick Canada
1 posted 2004-04-08 02:46 AM


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
Just answerin the call
Kinda driftin away from it all~~~~~

passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
2 posted 2004-04-08 03:44 AM


I have got to make sure my daughter reads this one...
Paul Wilson
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Elite
since 2002-07-07
Posts 4711
United States
3 posted 2004-04-08 06:38 AM


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"

LeeJ
Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296

4 posted 2004-04-08 06:41 AM


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!
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
5 posted 2004-04-08 06:51 AM


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.

Professor Gloom
Member Elite
since 2000-07-23
Posts 3082
of Depression
6 posted 2004-04-08 07:50 AM


The sweat of the brow
The accomplishments brought about
All very worthy
Enjoyed your poetic story

Gloom

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
7 posted 2004-04-08 10:08 AM


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

garysgirl
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Member Laureate
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237
Florida, USA
8 posted 2004-04-08 10:20 AM


Sadie, I like to think upon memories, too.
And yours are a treat to read of. Thank you.
Hugs,
Ethel

iliana
Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA
9 posted 2004-04-08 12:09 PM


How well I know the truth of this.  A good record for our kids!
iliana
Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA
10 posted 2004-04-11 03:58 PM


Came back for a second read of this wonderful write.  Happy Easter!
ThisDiamond
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353
Michigan, USA
11 posted 2004-04-11 05:20 PM


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

Copperbell
Senior Member
since 2003-11-08
Posts 956

12 posted 2004-04-11 07:17 PM


soo good!  it is a scary thought though
GG
Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532
Lost in thought
13 posted 2004-04-12 12:07 PM


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
...I am a girl of tears.

Sadelite
Member Elite
since 2003-10-11
Posts 2519

14 posted 2004-04-12 12:33 PM


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  

suthern
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Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
15 posted 2004-04-13 10:57 AM


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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