Cain Through the Harshness Part 5 of Series

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Professor Gloom
Member Elite

since 2000-07-23

Posts 3082
of Depression

0 posted 2004-04-19 08:25 AM

The summer ended and returned the rain
The only farmer on a farm was Cain
And with him now was Xing
Both weak and gaunt of bone, skin and blood
Quiet acceptance of what days would bring
Building walls against the moving mud,
Just the two of them Xing and Cain.
Thunder shook and great winds did blow
Winter came with an excess of snow
Inundating and stopping all movement
The year’s moisture now growing higher
In his home an existence barely spent
Huddled around a fragrant dung fire
Burning ever weak and too low.
Although in hunger the both near the grave
Cain showed bags of grain they would only save
They talked of seed for the coming of spring
And how the sacrifice would then grow,
The hope of what tomorrow would bring
From the reserves that hunger would not know
No matter how much either would crave.
In late winter Xing made bark tea
Carrot and parsnip soup their only bounty
Many a day their fast was never broken
Wrapped in piles of blanket thick
Seldom any a word was spoken
As Cain grew weaker and then fell sick
But a winter death was not his destiny.
Cain was nursed those days by young Xing
Till finally there was the return of spring
When she gathered new growths to feed
And strengthen the thinness of Cain,
Ministering to his every need
Then he rose still shaking to plant the grain
For the hope of growth it did bring.
With the greening of the valley
And the return of new growths beauty
Returned the fleeing to their farms
But their farms to Cain had been sold
In escaping from the weather’s harms
Now wearier and without the gold,
And to Cain they came to see.
They wished to regain what was lost
And Cain said he charge them twice the cost,
To be repaid over years as a loan
Or become a peasant on their home.
All agreed this was fairness of Cain
Some left but most did remain
The year had changed the mountain valley
And it became Cain’s to protect and oversee.

Gloom

ThisDiamond
Member Rara Avis

since 2002-02-22

Posts 9353
Michigan, USA

1 posted 2004-04-19 08:30 AM

A good beginning read this morning. Thanks Professor.
TD

Sadelite
Member Elite

since 2003-10-11

Posts 2519

2 posted 2004-04-19 08:41 AM

I really, really like this series! I imagine it was difficult to write; you wrote it wonderfully. I look forward to reading more of your writing.
Sadie

Susan Caldwell
Member Rara Avis

since 2002-12-27

Posts 8348
Florida

3 posted 2004-04-19 09:33 AM

Well done..

and speaking of done...is number 6?

It's not nice to keep a lady waiting...

(no wise cracks anyone..)

"cast me gently into the morning, for the night has been unkind"
~Sarah McLachlan~

Professor Gloom
Member Elite

since 2000-07-23

Posts 3082
of Depression

4 posted 2004-04-19 10:43 AM

Thank you, all,
Working on the next installment.
Pleased you are enjoying.

Gloom

iliana
Member Patricius

since 2003-12-05

Posts 13434
USA

5 posted 2004-04-27 12:49 PM

I am really enjoying this! Back up we go!

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