John McCarter was the grandfather of Ray McCarter.
Tag: The Oak
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’
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
Wrong Numbers
"Hello, who is this??" Dad would shout When he talked on the phone. He'd be so angry with them if He'd dialed the number wrong. He thought that they should know right off If they didn't know who he was, He'd slam the phone down in their ear, As he let out a loud cuss.… Continue reading Wrong Numbers
Waving At Daddy
I passed my dad driving down the road As I headed home one day. I waved, but he just stared ahead And never looked my way. "He's getting old; he never saw," I thought, feeling kind of sad. He usually was observant But his eyesight now was bad. When he came home, he asked me… Continue reading Waving At Daddy
Moonlit Walk
Our house stood in deep seclusion In the middle of oaks and pines; I'd not stray into the darkness Where the moon glow could not shine. Sensing that the darkness scared me, Daddy took me by the hand. Walked with me into the darkness, Helping me to understand. Pausing by the tree we raced to… Continue reading Moonlit Walk
Laborer
Daddy said I had to register For school all by myself. "You can write now, hon," he said, "So do it by yourself." The teacher stopped to help me out As she knelt there by my side. "What is this word?" I asked of her "Father's occupation," she replied. "Where does he work?" she asked… Continue reading Laborer