The Darkest - Blackest Tuesday (Part Lll)

Now Children the pink and purple pails are for the girls, blue and green for the boys We are going berry picking down by the stone wall Mr. Bethel said we could pick his berries too The stone wall off limits to the Webb household, Bobby, Joe and Jim had the scars to prove it Oh, “MOM“, (coil in fear, no crop) Thank-you What did Millie say; Are we going to make pies? Ma’am didn’t know sign language, of course we will tell her she can wear the number 2 apron Dotty, George, and I started running to the end of our property Slow down They’re excited “Mom” I know Alice listen you older kids will be paired up with the younger ones: Alice, George and Harry Virginia, William and Dorothy; Joe Jim and Robert; Rebecca you’re the best signer, You and Mildred Alice, yes Harry why did Ma’am say we could call her “MOM” my voice shakes when I say Mom I think all of us feel that way; but make hay while the sun shines, What? Just let her be MOM today Pick them ,don’t eat them Wow, Al ,that’s what Becky just said to Millie look Millie said they’re so sweet You can read that from over here Yep Millie and Becky have been teaching me. You know what this means Easy: I Love you too Where is George? Over there George your not suppose to be on that side of the wall It’s sprinkling , my pails almost full come on George let’s go back to “Mom” Alice go get the other children This is the first time since I’ve been here that we were all together, laughing and talking while Mom smiled As we got to the steps of the porch the sky opened sheets of rain a bolt of lighting , a sonic boom of thunder