Soul of An Angel, Life of a Moonshiner

He served as a deacon in his church and was as pious as they come.
(But on the side, he sold whiskey from a thirty-gallon drum!)
He taught the junior high Sunday school class and was a Bible scholar.
(But on the side, he 'stilled' moonshine way back up in the holler!)

He was faithful in tithing ten percent of his ill-gotten gain.
(For his John Barleycorn he used only the best obtainable grain!)
He occupied the same pew every Sunday listening with attentive ear.
(It was rumored about that he also brewed some very potent beer!)

He proffered an "amen" at appropriate times and wore a suit and tie.
(He was renowned throughout the county for his very delectable rye!)
His tenor voice blended well when singing, "I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord."
(On back roads he did a bit of bootlegging in his hopped-up V-8 Ford!)

He was the first to offer succor to widows, orphans and others left bereft.
(He'd run his still for years - at evading "revenooers" he was very deft!)
When folks were needed to serve on committees he was first to volunteer.
(When asked his occupation he replied, "I'm a 'Spirit'ual Engineer!")

At Yuletide he was generous with the parson giving him a beef, cash and pork.
(At the annual church picnic he surreptitiously passed a bottle to uncork!)
There couldn't be found a finer saint in all of Boondock County, Kentucky.
(He'll continue to "minister" to parched throats thereabouts - if he's lucky!)

Entry for Tania Kitchin's "Primiere Trophy Contest" Contest

This poem is worthy of a Primiere Trophy since it won First Place in the Poetry Soup International Poetry Contest in April 2011.  (Won $50 and an Outstanding Poetic Achievement Certificate).
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

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Maverick Avatar
October 10, 2022 at 9:45 AM
I really like this one Bob, and I see it got a prize As well, great stuff; I don't suppose you have His name? As from your description I'd say This guy could be long lost kin to me..'
Burch Avatar
January 25, 2017 at 10:49 AM
Howdy Bob!!! Been a long time. You're still producing fabulous work!! Loved this one... kinda hits home...we were on the other Side of the Tug River in West Virginia doing pretty much the same thing!! Lol big hugs my friend. And I'm still waiting for that book of all your wonderful poem!! ;) much love deb
Hinshaw Avatar
January 25, 2017 at 7:45 PM
Deb: I sent a soup mail but I'm not sure it went thru so I'm sending you another - Bob H
Kimathi Avatar
November 10, 2016 at 12:48 PM
Greetings Robert. Congrats for your WIN in the contest, with this fine piece!!! ;-)
Hinshaw Avatar
November 10, 2016 at 2:28 PM
Thank you, Teddy. I appreciate your kind comments. When PoetrySoup held contests up until a couple of years ago, this one took lst Place in their International Poetry Contest which gave me the whopping amt of 50 bucks so I'm kinda proud of this one. Best to you as you continue your poetical journey - bob h
Y. Avatar
November 8, 2016 at 8:10 AM
Hi Robert, You penned a well written piece. I found it to be so informational. Congratulations on your fine win:-) Alexis
Scars Avatar
June 18, 2016 at 2:43 PM
Robert, congrats on your placement and thank you for being a part of my contest :)-luloo
Hinshaw Avatar
June 18, 2016 at 6:58 PM
Thank you, Laura, and many thx for considering my entry in your contest worthy of a win. Best to you as you continue your poetical journey - bob h
Palli Avatar
April 3, 2016 at 6:19 AM
Captivated as usual by your excellent storytelling! I admire your work.
Smith Avatar
June 4, 2014 at 12:51 PM
Congrats on your win with such am incredible write!! A fan for sure... Arlene..
Ekechukwu Avatar
November 21, 2013 at 12:36 AM
You are a quiet achiever Robert my namesake. Please do keep some bucks for us upcoming poets to grab from poetrysoup contests...lol. Congrats! Alwaz, Bob-Based on Belief
A   Avatar
October 18, 2012 at 9:01 PM
Hi Bob, wondering down the poetry soup international list.. Here I am finding another wonderful win. :-) congratulations with your wonderful win in the " April, 2011 Contest " It is nice seeing you and your poetry did so well in these contest... always~pd
Whitehead Avatar
June 12, 2012 at 12:15 PM
I'm late sending my congratulations on your poem Bob, but I send them now - better late than never. To look at the man in one way (and certainly not in the Methodist way, for I go to the Methodist Church) - he seems to be following in Christ's footsteps inasmuch as Jesus' first miracle was to turn water to alcohol. A spiritual engineer? I rather think Jesus might be one of those too - well, he has worked on me many times!! Well, Bob, you deserve first prize for such a good poem I am sure. My best wishes - Josie
James Avatar
February 1, 2012 at 4:54 AM
Greetings Robert, As a new soul in this soup I am thrilled to find this as I read through the ingredients. Congratulations on the win and thank you for the reminder to 'not judge a book by the cover'. A good yarn, Wordancer
Foley Avatar
January 27, 2012 at 2:50 AM
Amazing piece of poetry. Giving contrast and rhyme in perfect balance. My poem called Potato Miner shrived to achieve this but obviously I have a long way to go. Brillant. Just Brilliant. Well done Ian F
Smith Avatar
January 25, 2012 at 6:05 AM
Congratulations Robert! Subject is close to my heart, as I live in the same area where Popcorn Suttion reigned... Also, I think I knew the man you're writing about! Good work!
Castro Avatar
January 9, 2012 at 4:12 PM
WOW NICE!! i have a hard time keeping the story line when writing poetry this is awesome
Lefanue Avatar
January 9, 2012 at 3:09 PM
Congratulations on your win, Robert. Great poem and well written! God bless, M :)
Shuaibu Avatar
January 6, 2012 at 5:31 AM
well deserved win. this poem was excellent and fun to read. i "over enjoyed" it.
Squyres Avatar
December 30, 2011 at 9:53 AM
What a delight to run across !!! Marvelous poem !!! Well deserved win !!!
Maverick Avatar
December 11, 2011 at 12:42 PM
Enjoyed reading your winning piece Bob we are what "we aren't" ( if thats how life makes us..!)
Olayiwola Avatar
December 6, 2011 at 2:53 AM
I love my works in rhymes like yours. It was Fun reading through ur piece. ''thumbs up''
Treetop Avatar
November 30, 2011 at 5:33 PM
A really excellent poem, lots of fun representing the the yeng and yang of life congratulations. Lizzie T
Thomas Avatar
November 20, 2011 at 3:34 PM
Hello Bob, what a wonderful piece of poetry. I could see your Moonshiner/Deacon in my minds eye, funny, he looks just like Lee Marvin! Thank you Bob for your kind comments on my Son Adams Christmas tree poem. He was so thrilled that two people sent him a comment. I have posted my first one and wonder if I did the right thing.. Best wishes to you Sharon
Wesley Avatar
November 7, 2011 at 7:08 PM
Just wonderful Bob, You are able to make your sense of humor shine and everybody else joins in to laugh. I think it's wonderful you won - desevedly so my friend!
Goudreau Avatar
October 27, 2011 at 8:04 PM
A beautifully written poem with a very inspiring and heartfelt read. Your rhyming and rhythm are superbly crafted. You have so much potential. Million thx for sharing and May God Bless!
Providence Avatar
September 23, 2011 at 12:00 PM
WOW......good thing god gave wine to make merry the heart of man
Laan Avatar
September 18, 2011 at 5:49 AM
Robert, a stunning poem:)))
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