Robert L. Hinshaw Poet Rhyme

Country Store

Yesterday, I happened upon a quaint, old-time country store.
I felt I was reliving my youth as I trod its squeaky wooden floor!
The sights and smells were familiar when I entered the door.
Memories flooded my soul as I gazed upon those things of yore!

A glowing pot-bellied stove provided an inviting place to sit and chat.
Upon a barrel of cheese snoozed an inscrutable tabby cat.
Old-timers were playing checkers hunkered over a pickle barrel.
'Mongst the clutter of merchandise you browsed at your peril!

Suspended from rafters were horse collars, lanterns and milking pails.
Boots, overalls and cured hams were hung with ten-penny nails.
Silverware and pocket watches were displayed in sturdy oak cases,
And others held buttons, thread, needles and rolls of fancy laces.

There were boxes of cigars, Mail Pouch tobacco and various tools,
Straw hats, aprons, bonnets, corsets and rolls of colorful tulles.
Stacked on shelves were galluses, overshoes and boys' caps,
Crockery, umbrellas, mantel clocks and several muskrat traps.

One wall was lined with churns, cream separators and kerosene stoves.
Wafting about the place was the pleasing scent of cinnamon and cloves.
There were bins of onions, taters, carrots and fresh roasting ears.
I sat by the stove a spell to absorb the flavor of yesteryears!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved

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Lindsay Laurie February 16, 2015 at 4:14 PM G'day Robert... You stirred up old memories with this poem when the corner store sold everything that accomodated a small town. Even broken biscuits for us kids. Thank you Robert - Lindsay

Elizabeth Wesley May 29, 2012 at 7:23 PM I was in a couple of those too Bob, they even had their own smell; leather, dust and other unidentifieable things. You sure create an aatmosphere and take me back many a year. So nice as always!

Lucilla Carrillo May 29, 2012 at 6:02 PM WOW! What a treat you got. They used to sell everything in those stores. I was very little but I did get to see some. Thanks for sharing. Lucilla

Andrea Dietrich May 29, 2012 at 5:31 PM That was certainly a relic store!! I only remember a few candy stores that were quite old in my time but were quickly replaced by the modern ones in the 60's. I bet you have seen your share of these. it's very strange to see how things have changed today, isn't it?

Nette Onclaud May 29, 2012 at 4:18 PM oh yes, the charm of good ole stalls that make life a memorable one... sentimentally scribed and well done, bob!.. i like!..:) huggs!

Ilene Bauer May 29, 2012 at 3:06 PM i love those old country stores, bob, and you've described this one to a T in a very wonderful way. it made me want to be there, too! (and i always love any poem of yours that mentions "taters!").

Joyce Johnson May 29, 2012 at 1:46 PM What fun Robert. Sounds just like my Uncle Paul's store. He would let us fish big dill pickles out of the wooden barrel. Loved it. Joyce

Justin Debrosse May 29, 2012 at 1:37 PM Its amazing to be able to recall so many specific details! I usually get the general impression of a place as I move through, but this is like an encyclopedia of details. Definitely conveys stepping into another era, which is weird how that can be set up through the ambience of a store and the characters residing there.