The Old Oliver

Grandpa's tractor coughs, sputters and comes alive, acrid smoke sharpening my senses... gears engaged, lurches forward, disturbing clouds of fungus midges bursting in the sun from the damp clumps of weeds near the barn.
Anise Hyssop, wild spires along the barn, fill the air with licorice smells as the rear wheels brush by.

Proceeding to the field, the tractor hiccups over clumps of soil, jarring memories of Grandpa's firm grip around my waist, riding along, teaching me secrets of the earth...

...a cycle finished, Grandma brought out to the field at lunchtime, a covered basket filled with cold chicken, potato salad, creamed cucumbers and half a fresh berry pie, lovingly prepared the day before, sharing smiles and my excited recollections of the morning...

...another couple hours and Grandpa tires a bit, so we ramble back to the barn, spying Grandma unclipping laundry from the clothesline, softly singing beautiful hymns of praise.

A Blessed Day, Indeed..

Copyright © | Year Posted 2020



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Date: 1/5/2025 3:42:00 AM
What a strong vision you supply here Jimbo I wish you all the best, and blessings.!
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Date: 12/22/2021 8:57:00 PM
Beautiful memories of a time you had with grandpa and grandma.... They were a blessed generation with their share of toil and enjoyment ! I assume your grandpa was a man so content singing to himself ! Lovely memories !
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James Marshall Goff
Date: 12/22/2021 9:36:00 PM
Thanks for visiting Valsa! actually, just my imagination, this fun poem be, I garden, visit farmer friends, harvest & make fruit pies, study insects & pollinator plants etc...I create lyrical narratives for the reader to escape! Some...are true!
Date: 11/14/2021 8:56:00 AM
A delightful tribute ~ most charming memories. Well penned, James ~
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James Marshall Goff
Date: 11/14/2021 11:27:00 AM
Thank you Line!
Date: 9/13/2021 3:10:00 PM
Great imagery James, I felt like I was there as I read your wonderful poem. A great day to remember. Emilia : )
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James Marshall Goff
Date: 9/14/2021 1:08:00 PM
Thank you Emilia!
Date: 2/26/2021 4:40:00 PM
I like the atmosphere this creates Jim. You haven't lost your touch. Thanks for your visit today.
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Date: 10/22/2020 10:12:00 AM
I was there as I read your beautifully desciptive poem. Thank you for some time spent where life was lived, slower & sweeter.
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Date: 10/5/2020 6:58:00 PM
You’ve painted a lovely picture with your words!
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James Marshall Goff
Date: 10/5/2020 7:35:00 PM
Thank you Kim! your concise forms are the standard!
Date: 10/4/2020 8:13:00 PM
I absolutely have missed the stories you've shared here. So eloquent in your emotional & environmental details. Cheers to you, James!
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James Marshall Goff
Date: 10/5/2020 7:31:00 PM
Thanks Drake! nice to seeya buddy!
Date: 9/24/2020 10:08:00 AM
Ah, wish I was there too, it sounds heavenly James, your memory of them is impeccable, Hope your keeping well during this covid crises.
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James Marshall Goff
Date: 9/24/2020 10:17:00 AM
Thanks for stopping by pd!
Date: 9/15/2020 5:46:00 AM
You are a great story teller! Much enjoyed thank you James Marshall Goff :)
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James Marshall Goff
Date: 9/24/2020 10:17:00 AM
Thanks Paris!
Date: 8/29/2020 1:43:00 PM
This is a very nice narrative James!
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James Marshall Goff
Date: 8/29/2020 8:34:00 PM
Thank you Belden!
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