Mama's Pet Helper

Sewing machine, long idle, gathered dust,
That Singer, that for Mama was a must.
She tried her best to teach me how to sew,
But it was hard to catch me on the go.

I wanted a real job with ample pay,
At sewing lessons, I could never stay.
When Mom died, she left me her old Singer,
As antique as washer with a wringer.

The war years seemed like only yesterday.
While they lasted, I had a job with pay.
I bought my dresses off rack at Penney's,
And could afford to eat lunch at Denny's.

I kept Mom's picture on her old sewer.
She smiled at me sitting 'neath hair blower.
I started as my big dog gave a bark,
The candle sputtered, spent and all was dark.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Doll Avatar
August 12, 2018 at 3:20 PM
Beautiful memories never die. A wonderful, nostalgic write, Joyce. Well done
Dietrich Avatar
May 4, 2018 at 12:04 AM
Congrats on your very well deserved win, Joyce.
George   Avatar
May 2, 2018 at 9:40 PM
Great story telling, Joyce. I really enjoyed it. I have a feeling it might even be true. Many congrats on your win. Elaine
Murray Avatar
May 2, 2018 at 4:28 PM
You must have been lost in lovely thoughts Joyce. Congratulations.on your placement.
Allison Avatar
May 2, 2018 at 3:47 PM
such wonderful memories Joyce, I was never good at needlework and we got rid of mum's Jones hand sewing machine when she moved into her care home and we had to sell the house:-( hugs jan xx
Devonshire Avatar
May 2, 2018 at 2:05 PM
Congratulations on your win, Joyce! Hugs, Carolyn
Gentry Avatar
May 2, 2018 at 12:37 PM
Oh I like this. A compelling read. Great imagery, perfect rhymes. Flows well. Congratulations on your placement.
Poteet Avatar
May 2, 2018 at 11:39 AM
Love the rhymes for Denny's and Penney's. Even better the washer with the wringer. So nice, brings back memories in several lines. Great piece, Joyce;
Gauthier Avatar
May 2, 2018 at 7:42 AM
How times change from generation to generation. I'm sure your have many stories to tell, Joyce. Well done.
Dietrich Avatar
April 27, 2018 at 12:50 AM
it's amazing how well you did with this difficult challenge. I know nothing of sewing machines so I am not sure how to approach this one. my sister liked sewing but it scared me to death. Very nice writing,Joyce.
Devonshire Avatar
April 25, 2018 at 5:22 PM
You took me back, Joyce, only it was my grandmother who made it possible for me to sew. She was a seamstress and gave me her old "pedal-operated" sewing machine when I was 10. The "real jobs" later allowed me to purchase fabric, but I'll always be grateful to "Babcia," as we called grandma. A delightful and memorable poem, dear. If for the childhood memory contest, I see a winner here. Love you, Carolyn
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