Grandpa's Fiddle

Grandpa was a very jolly fellow, so talented and so wise.
He could plant a row of corn as straight as the arrow flies!
He was a capable carpenter, never once hitting his thumb!
He built barns "'squar' with the world", never out of plumb!

He was very adept with fiddle and bow to everyone's delight,
Except for Grandma who thought the consarned thing a fright!
He'd sit for hours 'neath the ancient sycamore sawing away.
She'd heard the same tunes for sixty years, much to her dismay!

He was a good old-time fiddler, of that there was no doubt!
Why, he could've topped Roy Acuff should they have had a bout!
His nimble fingers flew as he played "Turkey in the Straw!"
Neighbors tapped their toes and listened to him in awe!

Summer nights we'd sit on the porch 'neath a Hoosier moon,
Listening raptly as he played a mellow and haunting tune.
He'd play a rousing "Orange Blossom Special" for the house,
Then switch to a beautiful rendition of a waltz by Strauss!

Grandpa's old fiddle is stilled now, it hangs upon the wall.
I suspect though that he's fiddling for the angels, saints and all,
As good old foot-stomping music from his golden fiddle flows,
And a bemused Saint Peter surreptitiously taps his toes!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Horsman Avatar
May 10, 2012 at 2:37 PM
Wow, Bob, as a old fan of the Carter Family, and the raw country music of the hills, this of course reads very well with me. again a story which should be held in the archives, for future generations. awesome. harry
Thomas Avatar
May 10, 2012 at 1:23 PM
Brings back memories. Thank you
Brown Avatar
May 9, 2012 at 7:10 AM
I enjoyed reading your amazing poetry this morning Bob. Hope you have a great day. Your poetry is always a pleasure to read. Love, Carol
Bauer Avatar
May 9, 2012 at 4:20 AM
this is pure delight, as wonderful as fiddle music itself. i felt myself tapping my toes as i read it!
Burch Avatar
May 8, 2012 at 9:04 PM
Awww, Bob, makes me want to go rosin up the bow! ;) You stir such wonderful memories in us all...thank you! love ya ~'round tuit' deb
Carrillo Avatar
May 8, 2012 at 9:00 PM
This is another good story poem of your Grandpa's Fiddle. I always loved fiddle music. Thanks for sharing. Lucilla.
Grisetti Avatar
May 8, 2012 at 7:32 PM
This takes me back to Mitch Miller and the Gang and all the old sing-a-longs. I love those old songs you wrote so well about.
Guzzi Avatar
May 8, 2012 at 5:38 PM
Oh I too love the fiddle..nothing better than good Irish or Cajun fiddling!! Light & Love
Peranteau Avatar
May 8, 2012 at 5:35 PM
Loving dearly my grandparents dear poet, this write moves me! Thank you for taking me back to the days of yore when my youth shined in their company sir ! Have a wonderful night my friend....much love, james
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