Susan Gentry Poet Rhyme

Notes About The Poem

Sewing Machine

Sewing machine, long idle, gathered dust
Old, as mama told, worn, left here to rust
I slowly examined the antique piece
Candle flame flickered, anxiety increased

Nothing odd on top or with pedal gears
Was mama bat crazy all these years?
Story after story and death bed request
I wanted to put an end to this mess

The war years seemed like yesterday
To granddad who hid most things away
Mama willed house, sew table to me
Fingers fumbled. "What could this be?"

At last, with a smile, I held up a key
Now a deposit box deepened mystery
Key in purse, blew candle out, happy as lark
The candle sputtered, spent, and all was dark

April 16, 2018


One Nine Sixteen Contest* By Viv Wigley
Sixth Place


*Lines one, nine and sixteen are -
1 - ' Sewing machine, long idle, gathered dust'
9 - 'The war years seemed like only yesterday'
16 - 'The candle sputtered, spent, and all was dark’

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Elaine George May 2, 2018 at 9:26 PM I knew I would see this on the winners list, Susan. Many congrats on your win. Elaine Susan Gentry May 3, 2018 at 12:39 AM :) Thanks so much Elaine! You're so sweet.

Mystic Rose Rose May 2, 2018 at 5:12 PM so many great memories Susan, it seems like times have changed and not for the better, no wonder we cling to the old golden memories. Well done, Congratulations Susan Gentry May 3, 2018 at 12:39 AM Thank you Pixie. It does seem that way. Appreciate your comment.

Joyce Johnson May 2, 2018 at 3:41 PM You found a way to make it a happy poem. Well done. Congratulations. Love, Joyce Susan Gentry May 3, 2018 at 12:38 AM Thank you Joyce! :)

Jan Allison May 2, 2018 at 3:29 PM Dropping back to say many congratulations on your win Susan:-) hugs Jan xx Susan Gentry May 3, 2018 at 12:37 AM Thanks so much Jan. :)

Carolyn Devonshire May 2, 2018 at 2:15 PM You leave us in suspense, Susan. (And I love that feeling.) Congratulations on your win! Hugs, Carolyn Susan Gentry May 3, 2018 at 12:37 AM lol Thanks Carolyn! :)

Jean Murray May 2, 2018 at 12:50 PM What could be in it? So exciting! Congratulations Susan. Susan Gentry May 3, 2018 at 12:36 AM Thanks Jean! :)

Line Gauthier May 2, 2018 at 7:14 AM Congrats on your win, Susan. Susan Gentry May 2, 2018 at 10:41 AM Thanks Line! Back at ya! So many different and amazing takes on these three lines.

Winged Warrior April 21, 2018 at 11:19 AM Excellent my friend...well crafted Susan...best of luck and stay in the poetic light...^WW^ Susan Gentry April 22, 2018 at 12:09 PM Thank you very much. :)

Kim Rodrigues April 18, 2018 at 8:53 AM Enjoyed the story and the sewing machine pic! Reminds me of my grandma’s wash tub! Susan Gentry April 18, 2018 at 7:16 PM Thanks Kim!

Janice Canerdy April 18, 2018 at 8:29 AM Well-told, sweet story in a well-written poem, Susan! Janice Susan Gentry April 18, 2018 at 7:15 PM Thanks Janice.

Elaine George April 18, 2018 at 8:02 AM Very nicely done, Susan. Love the mystery. Sincerely, Elaine Susan Gentry April 18, 2018 at 7:15 PM Thanks Elaine!

John Gondolf April 18, 2018 at 7:28 AM Very nicely written, Susan, good luck in the contest. John Susan Gentry April 18, 2018 at 7:15 PM Thanks John!

Vijay Pandit April 17, 2018 at 7:07 AM You blended the three lines seamlessly..around a story that feels so real! Susan Gentry April 18, 2018 at 12:21 AM Thank you!

Andrea Dietrich April 17, 2018 at 1:56 AM You took on the challenge and did it so well. I think this contest is particularly difficult. Way to go. Susan Gentry April 18, 2018 at 12:21 AM Thanks Andrea. Yes I agree.

Paul Callus April 16, 2018 at 3:40 PM An excellent take on these contest prompts, Susan. I can imagine this entry on the winners' list. ~ We have a similar sewing machine, passed on from my grandparents. Regards // paul Susan Gentry April 16, 2018 at 8:25 PM Thank you, Paul! What a treasure to pass along. Appreciate your input always.

Charlie Smith April 16, 2018 at 1:50 PM Wonderful piece Susan... Susan Gentry April 16, 2018 at 3:08 PM Thanks so much! You are so kind.

Anne-Lise Andresen April 16, 2018 at 1:47 PM - When I look at the image of the sewing machine ... you travel far back in time, Susan - Sore eyes who worked in poor light, far into the night - A wonderful little story ... R.I.P. over Saras memory ... I think she died with her secret - Luck in the contest :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Jan Allison April 16, 2018 at 12:45 PM I love the way you built up the suspense and the ending of the poem leaves the reader wanting to know more. Fabulous descriptive poem Susan, good luck in the contest:-) hugs Jan xx