A Long Time Ago

I threw my legs over a rusty barbed wire fence 
into a warm summer day a long time ago
landing  smack dab in the middle
of my now ancient childhood

A lonely bob white sitting on the fence
whistling his heart out, I can only guess
his seranade was a lonely plea
here I am, please, come to me.

Standing knee deep in prarie grass
grasshoppers leaping from blade to blade
the smell of the hot earth
rising into my face, oh I miss that place

A corn snake slivers back under the fence
escaping into the corn field
over the hard clumps of ground
of the tired, plowed soil.

The smell of rain in the distant sky
is only passing by
a welcome sight to behold
but not meant for here, not today

A lonley cow bell tells me now
old bossie will soon be here
as she makes her daily trek
through the pasture into the pond

Indian paintbrushes, blue bonnets too
puffy white clouds in a sky so blue
all come together and bring back to me
a warm summer day, a long time ago.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Williams Avatar
June 29, 2012 at 1:14 PM
Michael , belated congrats on your win..David
Rice Avatar
June 29, 2012 at 4:59 PM
Thank you David, for that encouraging comment. Never too late for that. mr
K. Avatar
June 28, 2012 at 10:39 AM
What a nice and nostalgic write this is, Michael! Super congrats! :)
Rice Avatar
June 28, 2012 at 10:56 AM
Thank you Nikko, so happy you liked it.
Brown Avatar
June 27, 2012 at 12:30 PM
Congratulations on your placement in the Summer contest Michael. Love, Carol
Rice Avatar
June 27, 2012 at 12:39 PM
Thank you Carol. Happy days to you.
Dietrich Avatar
June 26, 2012 at 6:46 PM
what beautiful vivid recollections of a corn field summer. My grandpa had a corn field but mostly we played along the lane and picked berries. I really enjoyed this poem. Congrats on your well deserved win.
Rice Avatar
June 26, 2012 at 7:37 PM
How nice, thank you for reading it and thank you for your generous comments.
Richards Avatar
June 26, 2012 at 6:23 PM
What a beautiful picture you have painted with words, Michael!! Love it!!
Rice Avatar
June 26, 2012 at 6:25 PM
I appreciate your kind words. thank you
A   Avatar
June 26, 2012 at 5:52 PM
Michael, congratulations on a job well done... DG. has some of the toughest contest.. I am so happy to see you on her wonderful list.. Always~PD
Guzzi Avatar
June 26, 2012 at 4:24 PM
The simple sweetness of this write went down like homemade butter & sugar on a piece of Gram's bread...makes me want to go home! Congrad's on your win. Light & Love
Rice Avatar
June 26, 2012 at 6:26 PM
So happy you liked it, thank you so much for your generous review.
Johnson Avatar
June 26, 2012 at 2:47 PM
Sounds very much like my childhood, also a long time ago. You brought it to life. Congratulations, Joyce
Brown Avatar
June 19, 2012 at 8:36 AM
Congratulations on your featured poem this week Michael. Love, Carol
Guzzi Avatar
June 18, 2012 at 5:32 PM
What a dear memory! [How did you not get pricked by the barb wire?] and thanks so much for reminding me of Indian Paintbrushes! I totally forgot about that wonderful wild flower haven't seen any in decades?? FRET Light & Love
Makama Avatar
June 6, 2012 at 5:21 AM
This is explicitly awesome. I love the piece so much and I think I will be checking on your other wonderful works... Its a blessing coming to your page and I hope you do well to stop by too. Once again, nice work.
Rice Avatar
June 7, 2012 at 5:47 PM
Thank you dear one, I am humbled by your generous comments
May Avatar
June 5, 2012 at 6:48 PM
splendid write..nice imagery..regards...Joseph
Rice Avatar
June 7, 2012 at 5:47 PM
Thank you Joseph, for taking the time to read this.
Andresen Avatar
June 5, 2012 at 1:53 PM
Welcome Gene, and thank you for sharing a poem today. - Very well written. - oxox Anne-Lise
Rice Avatar
June 7, 2012 at 5:48 PM
Your too kind, thank you
Vresk Avatar
June 5, 2012 at 12:23 PM
well written poem,very imaginative,welcome to poetry site,wish you the best,Ivy
Rice Avatar
June 7, 2012 at 5:48 PM
Thank you Ivy, it is a pleasure to be here.
Brown Avatar
June 5, 2012 at 11:51 AM
A warm welcome to PoetrySoup I offer to you Gene. I wish for you the best in your writing endeavors whatever they may be. May you find inspiration by reading some of the poetry written here by other poets. May the sun shine on you that you might find great joy in your life. Love, Carol
Rice Avatar
June 7, 2012 at 5:49 PM
Thank you Carol, for you generous comments
Britt Avatar
June 5, 2012 at 10:58 AM
Very cultural and serene. I appreciate poetry with vivid imagery. Great poem to start with! Welcome to Poetry Soup! Keep writing <3
Rice Avatar
June 7, 2012 at 5:50 PM
Thank you Brittany, for you kind words
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