Days start early in the mountains; Plantin' starts at break of morn. I liked workin' in the garden, But I sure hated shuckin' corn! Pulling corn ears was like fighting; We would grunt and twist and pry. Bushel baskets filled with sweet corn Seemed to grow and multiply. Blistered hands and sunburned faces, Corn silk… Continue reading Ain’t Shuckin’ Corn No More
Category: Poetry
Apple Tree
Standing underneath the branches As I watched my brother climb, He would shake the tree with vigor; It was apple-picking time. We'd stuff apples in our shirt tails, Carrying all that we could bear, Knowing Mom would make some dumplings If we just could get them there. Apple fritters, apple turnovers, Apple pies -- mom… Continue reading Apple Tree
Bee Stings
A bumble bee had got me good; I smarted from the sting. I told my Daddy, 'cause I knew He could fix anything. He said that he knew just the cure, While I stared at him wide-eyed. He chewed tobacco, slapped on the sting As I shuddered, horrified. He said it would draw the poison… Continue reading Bee Stings
Borryin’
My Daddy was a mountain man Who'd look you in the eye; His handshake would seal a promise And he'd keep it, do or die. Once a neighbor bummed some money With a promise to repay, Telling Dad he'd be back Friday, But he never showed that day. As the weeks went by, Dad watched… Continue reading Borryin’
Boogerman
For all my life, my aunt would stay For a week or two each year. She loved to come; we loved it, too; But she had one tiny fear: She thought the Boogerman would come And steal us while we slept; But we were safe when she was there - Constant vigilance, she kept. We… Continue reading Boogerman
Can I Sleep With You?
How often Momma would hear the words On cold and stormy nights, Or when we would tell ghost stories And give ourselves a fright. "Can I sleep with you?" we'd beg of her; She'd pull back the covers and then Welcome us with a hug so secure We didn't feel frightened again. As I grew… Continue reading Can I Sleep With You?
Catch the Baby
"Catch the baby!" my brother would yell As he tossed me to the other. I thought the strongest men on earth Were my three strapping brothers. I'd sail through the air without any fear, No thought of falling at all. They'd stand in a triangle tossing me Not once ever letting me fall. I trusted… Continue reading Catch the Baby
Courtin’ Days
The prettiest thing he ever saw Was a girl with hair of gold. When she saw him, she knew he was The one to "have and hold.' "Can I come callin'?" he asked her, And she quickly nodded yes. It led them to a sweet courtship Neither ever would regret. The porch swing was their… Continue reading Courtin’ Days
The Smell of Wood
How I love the smell of kindling, Sawdust flying through the air; Love the smell of pine tree resin, White oak splits for caning chairs. Chain saws, screaming down the timber For the fires that kept us warm; Love the smell of dampened fire logs Sizzling hot through winter storm. Cedar chests and wormy chestnut;… Continue reading The Smell of Wood
Hold My Hand
"Hold my hand," my parents would say And I'd reach up, trustingly; Knowing they'd watch out for things I was much too small to see. They'd hold my hand when in a crowd Or when we would cross the street, And I knew as long as I held on tight, No danger with me would… Continue reading Hold My Hand