Rouge Barb / Spring Sours

From within the frost-frozen, bare-boarded, shed
within its loosely hung zee-braced door agape
the spring light peeked.
Warming the woodsheds King’s pine planks
toasting the ten penny nails
popping the planks to a toe-stubbing height.
Door slamming dashes through the obstacle course of cord, 
tinder, rake and hoe;
to the semi attached outhouse.
Draws half down,
butt bitten by March’s wind;
the two holer waits, lye bucket at the base.
Curled, yellow-brown, newspaper pages from 1890, 
the shade of Uncle George’s pipe stained teeth, wiggle in the wind;
as do I when with a holler as
breeze to bottom freeze dries.
A half flashed mad dash to the kitchen door 
is halted; awestruck at the gapping door to the kitchen garden.
Raspberry-red, tit tipped rhubarb buds and stalks,
warmed by the sheltered spring sun;
set my mouth to drool.
A waylaid girl child in transit.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

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Suzadail Jr. Avatar
March 5, 2009 at 4:29 AM
When my grandma's outhouse was stolen, she called the police but they wouldn't investigate. They said they had nothing to go on. Those were the days when even going to the toilet was an adventure. I'm nostalgic, but not crazy. (Well, maybe, just a little) Vince
Gass Avatar
March 2, 2009 at 5:37 PM
What a delightful story! Your imagery is amazing. "The breeze to bottom" a chilling experience that made me giggle and cringe! Excellent work, my talented friend! Love Ya
Devonshire Avatar
March 2, 2009 at 10:17 AM
Deborah, your writer's canvas surely captures the feeling of spring. I love the way the light "peeked" through the door, casting warmth on all inside. Love the reference to Uncle George's "pipe-stained teeth" wiggling in the wind! Now, if only spring would finally come and stay, not show its head and go away. And thanks for your comments on "Crosses on Canopy Road." Love, Carolyn
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