On Grandma Thora's Farm

I hide in Grandma Thora's room.
A velvet and wood reserve,
forbidden to children.
Grandma's heavy, hunting feet
thunder over hardwood floors toward me.
Curled up tight- like a snake.,
praying my thumping chest doesn't climb
over her huge scolding voice,
and betray my hiding place.
Grandma Thora is in cahoots with God-
She is as scary as His commanding bible.
The book, that I didn't ask for, is my birthday gift.
I'm ashamed of my disappointment
that stepped into me when 
I tore off the wrapping paper
and found only God's word.
King James in leather is not what I want.
I carve into the skin-thin title page
with a sharp tipped pen,
“Damn you! Go to Hell!”

God, I'm dead now for sure.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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12
Walsh Avatar
January 9, 2024 at 4:29 AM
There is a beautiful childlike naivety you captured in your poem made the reading more than worthwhile!
Warlov Avatar
January 7, 2024 at 7:27 PM
It's a giant book and a Giant's book in importance; one of Gaia's top-offerings of the human story; filled with wisdom, beauty and even, a plausible hope. ~ An understandable reaction. The friend of your enemy is your enemy.
Peranteau Avatar
March 14, 2010 at 8:29 AM
Tamra, Awesome poem here, and many congratulations on this write ! Thats the difference between poets and the rest of the souls on earth...we fear not the words which spill..even if we think these words will condem us...fear not soul, your are not condemed ! Excelent write !!!! james
Haick Avatar
March 5, 2010 at 1:26 PM
Hey Tamra, my warm congratulations on your win in PS's Intl. Poetry Contest-09 with this splendid write! Peace, AUdrey
Tugaff Avatar
March 3, 2010 at 11:21 PM
Congratulations on your featured poem. Ernilando
Mckenzie Avatar
March 3, 2010 at 12:25 PM
Tamra~ Congratulations on your featured poem! Laura :)
Brown Avatar
March 1, 2010 at 9:01 AM
Congratulations on your win in the October 2009 PoetrySoup International Poetry Site Contest Tamra. Love, Carol
Culverhouse Avatar
March 1, 2010 at 6:26 AM
congrats on the featured poem!! Good work!!
 Avatar
February 28, 2010 at 3:56 PM
Interesting story with good use of imagery. Congratulations on being one of the winners in the Soup contest. Enjoy your success. Keep on writing. Karen
Richards Avatar
February 28, 2010 at 2:38 PM
What an amazing poem.....so glad I found this terrific piece to capture my childhood imagination. Terrific writing! ~ Carrie
Caliri Avatar
February 28, 2010 at 11:48 AM
"heavy, hunting feet" "Thumping chest" climbing over "huge scolding voice" So many perfectly-fitted descriptions in this one. And what a light-hearted and amusing punch at the end. We all know this kid...and that grandmother. Excellent!
Adeite Avatar
January 8, 2010 at 9:32 AM
Congrats on your wonderful poem making it through the first round, keep your powerful pen writing… excellent you! Your friend in poetry Adeleke
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
January 5, 2010 at 5:48 AM
Congratulations Tamra, You have made it through the first round of judging for Poetrysoup October 13, 2009 poetry contest with your poem "Grandma Thora's Farm. It was a delightful look into a child's mind before forgiveness and understanding. Wonderful write. I enjoyed reading it. 2009 was a successful year of poetry for you. I come, now, wishing you continued success in your writing endeavors throughout 2010 and for many years to come. God be with you. Lovingly, Dane Ann
Freeman Avatar
December 25, 2009 at 8:28 PM
Congratulations on your first round win. Good luck on the next round. Sincerely, Love, Moses
Brown Avatar
December 22, 2009 at 9:06 AM
Congratulations on being a first round survivor and the best to you in the finals Tamra. I wish you the best in your writing endeavors in 2010 whatever they may be. Love, Carol
George   Avatar
December 21, 2009 at 11:52 AM
Wow! Congratulations and best wishes sent to you to advance to the final round. Lainie
Sheart Avatar
December 20, 2009 at 4:32 PM
Tamra, congrats on winning the first round of ps contest!! Love Light Patty
Devonshire Avatar
December 20, 2009 at 2:34 PM
Congratulations on moving to the next round with this great poem, Tamra! Wishing you joy and happiness in the New Year, love, Carolyn
Fraser Avatar
December 20, 2009 at 9:25 AM
Many congratulations on reaching the second round with your fine poem >> James
Adeite Avatar
December 10, 2009 at 5:40 PM
congrats on your wonderful poem being featured this week. keep writing... great you! Adeleke
Guzzi Avatar
December 9, 2009 at 5:10 PM
nawww..you actually sound like the Old Testament God..one scary Dude! You think the big G never heard that from a human before...your fine...children have tantrums. Light & Love
Fisher Avatar
December 9, 2009 at 11:17 AM
Many congrats on your featured poem this week. Rgds Janette
Nutter Avatar
December 9, 2009 at 2:39 AM
Congratulations on having your poem featured this week. A. W. Nutter
Brown Avatar
December 8, 2009 at 5:01 AM
Congratulations on your poetry being featured this week Tamra. May you have many more. Love, Carol
Fraser Avatar
December 7, 2009 at 12:24 PM
Congratulations on your poem being featured >> James
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