Betty's Swing

By Valerie D. Staton


Down a long winding road there lived Old Betty Ann
In an old wooden house, the color of sand

Her home was surrounded by gardens and trees
And wind chimes that sung with the stir of a breeze

Most days Betty Ann could be found on her swing
It was above her porch and asparagus green

She’d kick off with a foot and then she would soar
Each vacillation higher than the one before

Betty Ann loved her metal swing so much
Only by permission could it be touched

Every year its color would be renewed
In either white, green or cobalt blue

She often sat on the old swing to knit
When in a good mood she’d allow others to sit

There was not much Betty Ann could not do
In the cast iron swing that was built for two

When Betty became ill and the end was near
She gathered together all those she held dear

"Before I go family, I ask one thing...
For one last ride inside my swing."

On the final day before Betty Ann died
She was placed in the swing for her final ride

And thus she transitioned doing what she loved most
She took one last swing then gave up the ghost
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019


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Date: 1/5/2019 2:48:00 PM
I loved the way Betty Ann chose to depart this earth. I love swinging from days of youth. I have a swing now that fits up to 3..or 4 children. It is the delight of my day whenI can go out at sunrise or sunset to contemplate the beauty of nature. A lovely poem Valerie! : ) xxoo
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Valerie Staton
Date: 1/6/2019 2:07:00 AM
Thank you Connie for the lovely response.
Date: 1/5/2019 9:26:00 AM
Valerie, I would have called this one a rhyme, because I think the rhymes are such fun, and in a sing-songy way. Lovely imagery - I could see Betty Ann, and she does not feel old in any way, which I love! It is so sad to me when all old people sound old. Maybe because I still see the 12 year old in the mirror in this seasoned body? Well done! Fun indeed!
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Valerie Staton
Date: 1/5/2019 1:45:00 PM
You are correct. Changed poem type to rhyme. Thank you for your kind response and helpful advice. Take care!
Date: 1/5/2019 8:44:00 AM
Oh, I just love this! It reminded me of my house and the swing I have longed to have. This is so special :)
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Staton Avatar
Valerie Staton
Date: 1/5/2019 9:02:00 AM
Thank you! When I was a little girl a lot of my North Carolina relatives had porch swings. I loved to climb aboard and sway back and forth. Simple things bring such joy!
Date: 1/5/2019 8:39:00 AM
This is so sweet and beautiful! My kind of poetry! It reminds me a little of one I just posted called "This Kind Old Woman". If you get a chance, please check it out. :)
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Valerie Staton
Date: 1/5/2019 9:04:00 AM
Oh Michael, I am glad you found this enjoyable. I am definitely going to read "This Kind Old Woman". Take care and God bless!
Date: 1/5/2019 8:34:00 AM
Soaring to the heavens on her swing...A touching write Valerie...Well written
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Valerie Staton
Date: 1/5/2019 9:09:00 AM
Thank you Joseph for your kind response. As a child I'd always loved climbing into my grandmother's porch swing. Gave me such joy.
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