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The Legend of Backwater

Way down south at the edge of the swamp, Was a little town known as Backwater. A peaceful town that most folks found, Was a good place to raise sons and daughters. A plague hit the town and people fell sick, And soon they were dropping like flies. No doc could be had and the fever was bad, So they called on the preacher and midwives. They did what they could but it wasn't enough, And folks were in fear for their lives. One woman knew of a spinster who, Had a sister who lived nearby; Deep in the swamp, she never came out, Shunned people and kept to herself. Some thought her a witch, at best an old b-- h, But right now they needed her help. They sent her word through her sister and said, For whatever she'd do she'd be paid. She decided she'd make for her sister's sake, The trip into town and give aide. When she arrived no one could say, Next meeting she was just there. 'Mid the fightin', and cussin', and much more discussin', She pushed back screeching her chair. My name's unimportant as are you all. I came at my sister's call. I'll cure your fever and then I will sever, All ties and binds with you all. She mixed up a brew amid the town square, Soon the smell permeated the air. Not really bad from the whiff that I had, T'was the medicine we would all share. Well the people got well and no one else died, And the two sisters packed up their wares. We'd best be off one said with a scoff, Hang around here if you dare. The town bid them stay, please don't go away, For sure you will live like a queen; But they took their pay and left the same day, Never no more to be seen. The townsmen searched high and searched for them low, To bring them both back to the hollow. They found on a post a note from their host, We've gone, do not try to follow.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2021




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Date: 10/24/2021 1:12:00 AM
You have given us such a lovely and striking narrative, Judy! Your internal rhyme is also worthy of mention. ~ Best regards // paul
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Judy Ball
Date: 10/24/2021 7:27:00 AM
Thank you so much Paul. God Bless, JB
Date: 10/23/2021 11:16:00 AM
WOW!!! A creative story/write. Your pen was working overtime on this one. Have a blessed autumn day....................
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Judy Ball
Date: 10/23/2021 11:27:00 AM
Thank you so much Paula. God Bless, JB
Date: 10/23/2021 9:42:00 AM
Another fun tale for Halloween. I like how you put B..h in there!! I have a poem where i had to leave some letters out too!!
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Judy Ball
Date: 10/23/2021 11:16:00 AM
Thank you so much Andrea. God Bless, JB
Date: 10/22/2021 7:30:00 PM
Hello Judy ... a great tale indeed. It doesn't pay to judge before learning - thank you Judy - Lindsay
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Judy Ball
Date: 10/23/2021 11:22:00 AM
Thank you so much Lindsay. God Bless, JB
Date: 10/22/2021 7:19:00 AM
It's the magic potion that's intriguing here Judy. We sure need it today with our prayers. Great poet.
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Judy Ball
Date: 10/23/2021 11:18:00 AM
Thank you so much Harry. God Bless, JB
Date: 10/21/2021 2:29:00 AM
Well I say good for them, the small town were willing to take the risk to save their themselves but the sister was shunned before that and good for the sister from the town who joined her. If the town gets sick again it would be sad, but you just don't like or love someone because of one good deed, good deeds mount up and become a mountain, the village should think of performing some themselves in case further plagues come their way. Love poem and the moral of the story Judy, blessings, Jenn.
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Judy Ball
Date: 10/21/2021 7:58:00 AM
Thank you so much Jennifer. God Bless, JB
Date: 10/20/2021 11:46:00 AM
Some of the greatest medicine women I know keep a low profile, there are reasons for that, beautifully written Judy, :)
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Judy Ball
Date: 10/21/2021 8:05:00 AM
Thanks so much Mystic Rose. God Bless, JB
Date: 10/20/2021 2:15:00 AM
Loved you legend, Judy. It is inspirational.
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Judy Ball
Date: 10/20/2021 8:20:00 AM
Thanks so much Victor. God Bless, JB
Date: 10/19/2021 7:18:00 PM
Enjoyed your tale, Judy. Equal rights for 'Medicine Woman.!' Did she get paid as much as the 'Medicine Man?' If not, send in the 'Biden team' to investigate! -- On second thought, let it go. LOL. ~ gw
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Judy Ball
Date: 10/19/2021 8:04:00 PM
Thanks bunches Gershon. God Bless, JB
Date: 10/19/2021 3:50:00 PM
Great storytelling. God bless you sweet friend. Love, Gina
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Judy Ball
Date: 10/19/2021 8:01:00 PM
Thanks bunches my friend. God Bless, JB
Date: 10/19/2021 1:47:00 PM
A really good story Judy told so well, with nice rhyme and flow too. Have a blessed day, Gordon
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Judy Ball
Date: 10/19/2021 2:30:00 PM
Thank you so much Gordon. God Bless, JB
Date: 10/19/2021 12:56:00 PM
A fascinating story very well-told, Judy! Janice
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Judy Ball
Date: 10/19/2021 2:35:00 PM
Thank you so much Janice. God Bless, JB

Book: Reflection on the Important Things