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

Poem

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Maverick Avatar
January 5, 2025 at 3:42 AM
What a strong vision you supply here Jimbo I wish you all the best, and blessings.!
George Avatar
December 22, 2021 at 8:57 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 !
Goff Avatar
December 22, 2021 at 9:36 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!
Gauthier Avatar
November 14, 2021 at 8:56 AM
A delightful tribute ~ most charming memories. Well penned, James ~
Goff Avatar
November 14, 2021 at 11:27 AM
Thank you Line!
James Avatar
September 13, 2021 at 3:10 PM
Great imagery James, I felt like I was there as I read your wonderful poem. A great day to remember. Emilia : )
Goff Avatar
September 14, 2021 at 1:08 PM
Thank you Emilia!
Lamoureux Avatar
February 26, 2021 at 4:40 PM
I like the atmosphere this creates Jim. You haven't lost your touch. Thanks for your visit today.
Weissenborn Avatar
October 22, 2020 at 10:12 AM
I was there as I read your beautifully desciptive poem. Thank you for some time spent where life was lived, slower & sweeter.
Rodrigues Avatar
October 5, 2020 at 6:58 PM
You’ve painted a lovely picture with your words!
Goff Avatar
October 5, 2020 at 7:35 PM
Thank you Kim! your concise forms are the standard!
Tacito Avatar
October 4, 2020 at 8:13 PM
I absolutely have missed the stories you've shared here. So eloquent in your emotional & environmental details. Cheers to you, James!
Goff Avatar
October 5, 2020 at 7:31 PM
Thanks Drake! nice to seeya buddy!
Rose  Avatar
September 24, 2020 at 10:08 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.
Goff Avatar
September 24, 2020 at 10:17 AM
Thanks for stopping by pd!
Boreham Avatar
September 15, 2020 at 5:46 AM
You are a great story teller! Much enjoyed thank you James Marshall Goff :)
Goff Avatar
September 24, 2020 at 10:17 AM
Thanks Paris!
Raiser Avatar
August 29, 2020 at 1:43 PM
This is a very nice narrative James!
Goff Avatar
August 29, 2020 at 8:34 PM
Thank you Belden!
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