Home » Poems » Joan Donnelly Ellis » The House That Jack Built 2

The House That Jack Built 2

The House That Jack Built (Pt. 2)

During Summer’s sweet vacation and sometimes on a school night,
 When most were safe in Dreamland and the Village bathed in moonlight,
 Nancy would toss gravel near my bedroom window, and loudly whisper my name,
 Then wait for me to join her and others  in a majority-ruled game.
 I’d crawl through open window and grasp ledge with strong hand,
 Then grope for shoulder or ladder with dangling feet, before leaping to land.
 Occasionally we’d chase lightning-bugs down to the river,
 Where sailors strolled  about on anchored ship,
 We would dive, swim, and play in the usual way,
 But secretly ‘neath moon and starlight it felt more hip.
 Oft times we’d pursue tree-climbing,
 Racing as close to summit as we could,
 It was on one such occasion I fell to the ground,
 Disfiguring many branches on the way down.
 It was awhile before I stood!
 Almost crawled back to The House That Jack Built.
 Grandpa would transform tree branches into bows and arrows,
 And sometimes a nifty slingshot.
 With jack-knife and chunk of wood he’d carve whistles,
 And delight curious children with gifts of many a spinning top.
 Each evening Grandpa would kneel by his bed and I'd strain ear to hear his prayers,
 Then he’d straighten his back and his bones would snap,
 As I’d creep down the tattle-tale stairs of The House That Jack Built. 
 When Pa had time off from his Section man’s job with the CNR, 
He’d begin some home improvement but rarely got very far,
 Because a neighbor would often show up with a watch needing repair,
 Or he’d be obliged to help dig a well or cut some fella’s hair.
 Pa often labored long into the night with tools of slightest degree,
 With kerosene lamp as his only source of light by which to see.
 With deep concentration and God-given skill, Pa persisted ‘til victory was won…
The time-piece was fit-as-a-fiddle before arrival of morning Sun.
 The oldest girls helped nurse we younger four through measles and mumps,
 With love, homemade chicken soup and Salada Tea.
 After recovering our Great Lake Sailor brothers often rescued us, 
 From branch of tolerant Maple or Willow tree.
When glass fragments or slivers pierced foot or hand,
 Pa removed the party-poopers with tweezers and ease,
 Then shoo patient away with a smile, making the injury somehow worthwhile,
 I felt pirouetted and squeezed... there in The House That Jack Built. 
(Continue to Conclusion Pt.3)

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.