Notes About The Poem

contest The Picture on the parlor wall

sponsor Craig Cornish

Journey Through History

A man whose eyes seem distant and cold
takes me on a journey through history
with thoughts of wonder and interest
leaving me with more questions than answers
   about his life, his dreams
there's a profound sadness in his picture
   and a sense of pride
he's dressed in his Civil War uniform 
from the Massachusetts 13th infantry
standing in front of a cabin with a porch
   and a couple of rocking chairs
off to his right is a well with its bucket
   a hound dog lays at his feet
stones in the ground placed like a sidewalk
   lead up to his boots
below the picture sits a creaky old rocking chair
where I sit to rock back and forth
while thinking about my great-grandfather
who survived Gettysburg, Antietam, Fredericksburg
and other battles is why I am here
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Kauffman Avatar
October 21, 2024 at 11:01 AM
What a wonderful pensive, thoughtful exploration of a treasured family picture, Frederic. I love the way you put yourself in the picture as a great grandson tying together the generations with gratitude. Congratulations on your win! Blessings!
Onclaud Avatar
September 20, 2024 at 11:34 AM
beautifully melancholic, frederick...I wish you would continue this piece a bit more!
Parker Avatar
September 20, 2024 at 4:09 PM
I would Nette but I can't have more than 20 lines in this contest
Empress Avatar
September 19, 2024 at 11:47 AM
Dear frederick, as i read your poem i felt like i can see what youv described! How detailed is the way you paint imagery. Your words as always flow so well and are so deeply moving! “ below the picture sits a creaky old rocking chair where I sit to rock back and forth while thinking about my great-grandfather” this ending, sums up what youv delivered! A man of pride and strength one that is remembered still i see! Very touching poem this is! I absolutely loved reading this! Sending you light. Best wishes
Parker Avatar
September 20, 2024 at 4:11 PM
thank you, Ink, glad you like the imagery
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