My Grandfather Wore Stripes

When the drums beckoned from Accomgpong Town,
my grandfather run, and run, and run; 
my grandfather ran at high speed
over saw-toothed terrain
with vicious rocks hacking at naked soles, 
and blood-hounds mauling at his heels.

My grandfather wore stripes 
like the red, white and blue;
and when the hot sun rides raw waves on his back, 
my grandfather stand tall to wipe sweat from his brow, 
then my grandfather wear whips
that echoes louder than the drums 
that called beyond Mount Diablo,
but no one was running to his rescue.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

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M V Avatar
November 3, 2010 at 8:27 PM
Beautiful poem on grandfather.I enjoyed it today morn,Earl.fabiyas
Coulstock Avatar
November 3, 2010 at 11:16 AM
Earle I don't often do this but please whatever other's suggestions don't re-write this poem.It stands well as it is.As I understand it,when the drums beckoned it was a call to be needed.When your Grandfather stood up to "wipe the sweat from his brow"a natural thing to do nobody cared or ran "to his rescue" when he was being whipped.I like this,the way you have written it. Love June(sylvia
Coulstock Avatar
November 3, 2010 at 10:59 AM
This is very strong Earle.The things that we have done to each other,the pain caused. Although some things have changed we still don't seem to have learnt and carry on hurting each other in other ways.I think you have captured those times so well and I was really moved by your line referring to the treatment your Grandfather received.Although all your words written so well and with such good use of imagery couldn't fail to move. Love June(sylvia)
Mehta Avatar
November 3, 2010 at 6:54 AM
Soothing pen pictute of your grandfather , Earle
Onclaud Avatar
November 3, 2010 at 3:36 AM
descriptive, powerful piece! thanks for sharing nette
Nutter Avatar
November 3, 2010 at 3:04 AM
The defender now needding to be defended and no one comes, sad write but an excellent account of what happens all to often.
 Avatar
November 3, 2010 at 2:17 AM
This is unclear. Was this person a criminal? Why was he running? Please don't explain, Re-write the poem.
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