The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide

Spirit From the Past-My Spirit

His name was Ed Goodwin, a handsome man with piercing steel blue eyes, known in the small town of Marianna Arkansas as the leading architect. If DNA flows through our veins from one generation to another so does the Spirit from the past.

At dusk, Goodwin happened upon town constituents enjoying a log fire though quick to learn amid the laughter of entertainment that a young boy was about to be tarred and feathered.  He motioned aside their gaiety and demanded to know the reason. "No, he has done nothing wrong. Let him go!"  One did not argue with Ed and from him I learned compassion, though I still wonder to this day how the young boy's mother managed to remove the feathers and tar from her son's body. From her, I learned fear.

With my compassion and fear in hand, I was further schooled by Ed's daughter, Dinky (named at birth for her  2 pound weight) to always stand up for what you believe in no matter how long it takes. You must always put yourself in the other person's place and ask yourself, "How would I feel it that were me and you'll never go wrong." From Dinky I learned caring.

I now had compassion, caring, fear and spirit.  Love was acquired all along the way as I was constantly told amid my bitching, "Smile, Child of God."  "You're going to miss me when I'm dead and gone!"  

I do miss Dinky and Yes Dink, I do believe that we are all  Children of God. I only wish everyone had an Ed Goodwin and a Dinky Doll to make them as happy and strong as you have made me.  Thanks and God Bless!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Nunez Avatar
May 28, 2015 at 5:03 AM
Judy, just catching up on my reading. This is a fine example of written piece that teaches about character building and human nature. A 7 for this fine write. Congratulations on your win! My bad for being so late.
Konos Avatar
May 28, 2015 at 8:54 AM
Thank you and the only thing bad about you is that you need to write a few million more poems...we much "likey" your work!
A   Avatar
May 22, 2015 at 1:19 PM
Judy, Congratulations on your win. Love LINDA
Konos Avatar
May 22, 2015 at 5:34 PM
Thank you Linda....
Roper Avatar
May 19, 2015 at 3:44 PM
Wonderful story, a 7 and congratulations on your win
Konos Avatar
May 22, 2015 at 5:35 PM
Thank you Eve
Allison Avatar
May 19, 2015 at 2:44 PM
dropping back with my congrats Judy loved reading this again:-) Hugs jan xx
Konos Avatar
May 22, 2015 at 5:35 PM
Thank you Jan A Thon
A  Avatar
May 19, 2015 at 1:56 PM
Judy, congratulations on your spirit win poem. SKAT love :)
Konos Avatar
May 22, 2015 at 5:36 PM
Thank you Skat...
Sergi Avatar
May 8, 2015 at 6:33 PM
A beautiful moving testament great write.
Konos Avatar
May 22, 2015 at 5:37 PM
Thank You Joseph...again....
Hamilton Avatar
May 7, 2015 at 7:08 PM
excellent tribute Judy hugs 7
Konos Avatar
May 22, 2015 at 5:37 PM
Thank you Shadow
Allison Avatar
May 6, 2015 at 5:17 PM
Judy this is an amazing tribute to your mum and Ed :-) Hugs Jan xx
Onclaud Avatar
May 6, 2015 at 2:54 PM
this is a stirring testament of how one can develop compassion through the generosity of others, unconditionally... beautifully done, judy!,, i had a great tine with your captcha.. thanks and huggs!
Konos Avatar
May 6, 2015 at 3:44 PM
Name change: Nette on Cloud 9.....whee...I likey me dot!
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The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace