Green Bikes Or Ham

The deadly white of winter had descended.
Mountain high piles of snow braced the phone poles.
Mufflers donned we left for school unattended
for mother lay crying in her bed, we were not whole.

Father left many nights ago it seemed
we did not know the why, the what or when, just then
what would we do for Christmas, mother screamed.
In this earthly sorrow two little girls cried again.

All of eight was I, and she was but three,
No tree was dressed within the cold, white, rented farm house
only paper chains no sweet cane candy   
the kitchen cupboards were bare even for the mouse.

The night bleak, mother pulled us on a sled
to Gran's we went, through snow and cold for dinner time.
Ma's heart had gone, when Father left her bed
Downcast, we trudged without Daddy's car, we climbed.

We came home and settled in, night brought surprise
our Daddy had come home, and it was Christmas night
he brought me a bike, a green and white prize
But all I cared about was the smile in his eyes.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Kendrick Avatar
January 8, 2014 at 3:57 PM
Way to go..Congrats..Sara
Onclaud Avatar
January 7, 2014 at 7:48 AM
how languidly stunning this is, debbie... should have reached the top; love the dad-feel... congrats on your win!.. huggs
Guzzi Avatar
January 8, 2014 at 4:01 PM
its a difficult emotional verse so I didn't expect much nette
Mehta Avatar
January 7, 2014 at 1:05 AM
Nice write full of Christmas spirit and congrats on the fine win, Deb
May Avatar
January 6, 2014 at 6:29 PM
You bring us through an emotion of bleakness and sadness then thrill us with joy at the end...great write..congrats on your win
Guzzi Avatar
January 6, 2014 at 6:44 PM
Thank you I should rewrite it, but it still hurts to remember Mother's passed Dad is still with me, I'm thankful he is.
Lamoureux Avatar
January 6, 2014 at 5:39 PM
This is a sad and moving piece. I'm glad it had a silver lining. Congratulations.
Lamoureux Avatar
January 6, 2014 at 5:40 PM
Also nice Dr. Suess play on words.
Hamilton Avatar
January 6, 2014 at 12:32 PM
lovely write Debbie congrats on placing ty too for your support Shadow x smile hug
Ahmad Avatar
May 9, 2012 at 11:20 PM
nice story, kinda nostalgic, right? but oh, I guess the bike (green?) gulped the ham down? ;)
Brown Avatar
May 9, 2012 at 1:55 PM
I am trying to catch up some on my thank you's to all the wonderful poets who have left kind comments on my writings. I thank you so much for your words of kindness Debbie. I enjoyed reading your poetry today and hope you are having a wonderful day. Love, Carol
Eastman Avatar
May 8, 2012 at 8:49 AM
A touching story poem hitting us directly in our hearts. Well written and I'm sure thought of often over the years.
Richards Avatar
May 7, 2012 at 9:02 AM
A heart breaking memory....I see the sting of a childhood, so unlike my own, that my heart aches for two little girls I didn't know.
Guzzi Avatar
May 7, 2012 at 6:47 AM
yes all real..at least as real as a memory 55 years old can be...I actually left out a BIG scene...of course ..Dad's memory of the happening is different
Maverick Avatar
May 7, 2012 at 6:11 AM
you show me a trying scene here Debbie; I just don't realize why people make things harder in life than they already are & this piece highlights this for me.." also i see you had left a comment on my challenge haiku Debbie; and as i read your summing up i think maybe you should have a go at working it out.."
Mac Donald Avatar
May 7, 2012 at 5:07 AM
This is a touching write, Debs!! It paints, oh such a melancholy scene, but it all seems to vanish with your last few lines.:) Hope all's going well with you, the sun is definitely trying to do it's thing! Best wishes, love, Mikki
Williams Avatar
May 7, 2012 at 1:55 AM
Debbie, wow that was some christmas...David
Burch Avatar
May 6, 2012 at 9:36 PM
AH!!!*tear* you made me cry!!! I dont get caught off guard usually....such a tender and heart felt write Debbie...ugh...*sniff* I may read it again later but it's too good to do it this quick...:) Very Well Done...I hope you win!!! big hugs,love ya deb
Rhinem Avatar
May 6, 2012 at 7:24 PM
Ps. Smile ˜ "An Extremely Stirring & Beautiful Favourite, By An Astonishingly Gifted & 'Beyound Beautiful, Poetess.'" *
Rhinem Avatar
May 6, 2012 at 7:19 PM
Smile ˜ I Don't Know, Maybe Its Because I Love You Sooo Much, My Dear Priceless, Beyound Beautiful, Beautiful Debra * But Your Poem, One Of The Most Touching & Beautiful Of Your Fascinating Treasures That I Have Ever Thus Read, Reached Deeply Into My Heart To Bring A Tear Unto My Eyes * I Love Happy Endings As I Sorrow Amid Another Beautiful Lifes Ever Knowing Pain * I No Longer Dwell There As I Used To Yet, My Love Nor Prayers For They Escape * Just As My Love For You. * My Love to You Forever, John!:) ˜
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace