The House By the Tracks

There’s a house out across the creek, 
just an old rundown two-room shack.
Each time I drive out past it now, 
those memories come flooding back.

It’s the house that held my childhood, 
where all fifteen of us were raised.
A loving piece of treasured youth, 
only a pile of sticks these days. 

It was a different story, 
back fifty years or so in time.
A hillbilly man and his spouse, 
lived happily there in their prime.

They would fill your empty stomach, 
though they could barely feed their own.
They had never met a stranger, 
any were welcome in their home.

Come warm your body by their fire, 
talk and sing ‘til your head was clear.
Warm your soul with a little wine, 
warm your heart with friendships held dear.

Many people I did not know, 
they went in and out of that door.
When it came time to leave they knew, 
that kindness is worth living for.

That shack is barely standing now,
down that dirt path just off the road.
But to us it was a mansion,
memories more precious than gold.

We did not have maids or chauffeurs,
we were living a simple life.
Each other’s love was all we need,
that hillbilly boy and his wife.

That hillbilly boy and his wife, 
they showed us the meaning of life.
Love and hope are all you need, 
if you have that then you’ll succeed.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Stark Avatar
September 9, 2023 at 1:06 AM
Such a beautiful poem You're my fav poet already
Brotherton Avatar
September 9, 2023 at 11:34 AM
Thank you, Curie. I appreciate you dropping by and leaving such gracious words of encouragement. Have a blessed day.
Merryman Avatar
September 8, 2023 at 5:50 PM
A wonderfully told story in rhyme, Jerry! Wow, 15 people in your family? That's a lot of people! Blessings, Kim M
Brotherton Avatar
September 9, 2023 at 7:57 AM
Yep, 15 kids, 52 grandkids, 17 great-grandkids, and 6 great-great grandkids. There were more people at our family reunions than was the population of our hometown of Wakenda. Thanks again for dropping by, hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Baker Avatar
September 8, 2023 at 5:18 PM
Pure, inspiration, and great life advice, Jerry. I hope it was true ... it was a heart-touching tale. I'm sure glad I found your poetry, it's a joy to read. Have a great weekend, my friend. A poet friend in Texas, Bill
Brotherton Avatar
September 9, 2023 at 7:53 AM
Thank you, my friend from Texas. This one is 100% true. My mom and dad raised 15 kids, 52 grandkids, 17 great-grandkids, 6 great-great grandkids. And still had love for anyone that showed up on their doorstep. Mom was 84 and dad was 92 when they passed. I guess unconditional love leads to a long life. Have a great weekend my friend and stay cool.
Allison Avatar
September 8, 2023 at 3:54 PM
what wonderful story telling Jerry, thanks for sharing your talent with us:-) hugs Jan xx
Brotherton Avatar
September 8, 2023 at 4:41 PM
I appreciate your kindness Jan. Thanks for reading.
Bowring Avatar
September 8, 2023 at 2:55 PM
I love this poem Jerry. Great storytelling with a lovely flow. Love the sound of the hillbilly boy and his wife. Generosity, kindness of heart, is worth its weight more than any gold. A poignant message expressed so well throughout your poem. So enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing. Have a great weekend.
Brotherton Avatar
September 8, 2023 at 4:40 PM
Thank you, Christina. I appreciate your kind words. My parents did not have a lot of money, but they had a lot of love to share.
De Beaulieu Avatar
September 8, 2023 at 12:16 PM
Hello Jerry Brotherton, I love this poem. the last verse says it all. It will be my fav. enjoy your day my friend \Darlene/
De Beaulieu Avatar
September 9, 2023 at 3:30 PM
Hello Jerry Brotherton, Your parents had 52 grandchildren! Wow! It must have been difficult to remember all their names. Fifty more claimed to be grandchildren! Wow! Amazing. Enjoy your evening my friend./Darlene\
Brotherton Avatar
September 8, 2023 at 4:37 PM
Thank you, Darlene. When my parents passed away, they had 52 grandchildren by birth and about 50 more that claimed to be.
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