The Old Man and the Mule

The old black man came riding up
On a wagon pulled by a mule
In the wagon he had a plough
And some other old rusty tools
As best I recall it was late in the fall
Of nineteen sixty two
He said hello and told my dad 
He was looking for something to do
And for a fee would unhitch Ol' B
They'd plow up the garden out back
The old man smiled as they dickered awhile
Then began to unpack
Ol' B wore blinders as he walked behind her
It only took them a bit
With all of the kids from the neighborhood
The pair had made quite a hit
Put the cash in his pocket gave her a carrot
Hooked up and went on their way
As the old man whistled to the clippity-clop
The old mule loudly brayed


  an original poem by the "poemdog" Daniel Turner
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

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Smith Avatar
March 30, 2016 at 10:10 AM
Love this story DT...brought back memories when I was the mule...my dad would load up the wagon with all sorts of vegetables and I would have to go out and peddle to all the old ladies in the neighborhood...they loved when I came by.
Turner Avatar
March 30, 2016 at 10:51 AM
Thank you, Tim. I'm flattered you are reading some of my earlier posts. Isn't it amazing how a little poem like this can say so much. Peace my friend:)
Raven Avatar
February 8, 2016 at 10:43 AM
Hi Daniel, this is excellent poetry once more and i Love the story you tell. It touches the heart with joy and brings a smile to this reader. It is such a gentle read. A seven and a fave for this read Daniel....Vladislav.
Turner Avatar
February 8, 2016 at 10:47 AM
Thank you, Vladislav. Old memories are the best. I appreciate you taking the time to read some of my early posts and hope you continue to enjoy my humble offerings.
Callus Avatar
January 14, 2016 at 1:49 PM
I really enjoyed this poem, Daniel! Back in '62 I used to go planting onions and sowing potatoes in my g'dad's farm, barefooted, in the cold January weather! You bring back great memories! // paul
Turner Avatar
January 14, 2016 at 2:14 PM
I am glad you liked it and I never said the plow was rusty. LOL Thanks for your time. Yes, sixty two was a pretty good year.
Callus Avatar
January 14, 2016 at 1:51 PM
A wooden plough drawn by mules or horses was used then...
Tunick Avatar
January 13, 2016 at 8:41 PM
Daniel, Look carefully at my picture. That is my mule Emma next to me. Very very nice story.
Turner Avatar
January 14, 2016 at 5:36 AM
I'm glad you liked it. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
A  Avatar
January 13, 2016 at 6:52 PM
well done, what a team... love the tale... skat
Turner Avatar
January 13, 2016 at 8:12 PM
I'm flattered. It was fun to write. I hope it makes people smile.
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