Family History

Cardboard covered the holes in his shoes
No money but he knew the rent was due
His wife had just given birth 
She should be the happiest woman on earth
So he would do whatever he had to do.

To the pawnbroker he sold his fathers gold watch chain
He bought food for his family and left the little money that remained
He's heard of jobs being given but they are seventy miles away
He hopes to make it there inside two days .

Through driving snow and sleet 
he arrives with No feeling in his feet 
at the factory where new men are being hired .

He works two shifts each day back to back
Sleeping a couple of hours in an old deserted shack
He keeps that up all week 
So tired he can barely speak
but at last he has some money to send home .

His beautiful wife feeds the baby in her arms 
As the postman knocks she closes her dress to hide her charms
Tears stream down her cheeks as she reads the note 
The first love letter my grandfather ever wrote.
She paid the rent and bills
The larder once more filled
Now instead of despair , She had hope.

Mountains can be moved by faith and hope
Now in the months to come somehow my grandparents cope
Though seventy miles apart
She feels the beat of my grandfathers heart 
and her new daughter will bear the name of hope.

Hope was my mothers name 
She told this story with no shame 
Proud of everything her parents had done 
Just as she told me 
I share my families history 
Telling you has just been so much fun.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2014



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Date: 2/10/2014 5:01:00 PM
Darren; This is a story to be proud of. Back in those days people were more resposible and they could really show their love. Thanks for sharing.... Lucilla
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Darren Watson
Date: 2/10/2014 5:31:00 PM
Thank you Lucilla The love my grandparents had for each other provide the foundations on which all the generations of my family were , Are and always will be built. Love and cuddles Daz
Date: 2/10/2014 12:31:00 PM
What a wonderful, truthful, poignant and uplifting poem. It' s all these struggles in life that develop character and integrity x
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Darren Watson
Date: 2/10/2014 12:34:00 PM
Thank you I can't believe nette did it to me again but I am delighted you enjoyed the poem .
Watson Avatar
Darren Watson
Date: 2/10/2014 12:32:00 PM
Thank you nette I really enjoyed writing this one . Daz
Date: 2/10/2014 12:27:00 PM
wonderful generational setting filled with heartfelt imagery... we should be proud of the values handed down to us, darren.. wonderful work!.. huggs
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Darren Watson
Date: 2/10/2014 12:35:00 PM
Yet again whilst writing to you something pops up . lol
Date: 2/9/2014 10:04:00 PM
This is a very heartfelt story Darren. Do you think today's generation would do the same? This a great write ....Tim
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Darren Watson
Date: 2/9/2014 10:20:00 PM
Thank you Tim I have no children my friend but I do have nephews and nieces . I know they are being taught that with faith , Hope , Love and hard work , They will have happy lives . So I have to have hope for this generation .
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