The Water Tower

The water tower stands above the town and can be seen for miles around.  It has a 
ladder leading up to the base of the tank.  This ladder has been climbed by countless 
teenagers, for thrills and mischief and young kids answering a dare.

     Over the years, many symbols and words have been painted on the tank.  From 
Highschool mascots, to hearts of love and proposals.  Flowers and Holiday wishes 
joined in.

     It had always been one mans job to keep the water tank painted and to cover up 
any impromptu artwork.  He always took his time about it though.  Making sure that 
each message stayed up at least two weeks before he would paint over it.
     One day he received a phone call.  On the line was a little boy.  This little boy asked 
the man to please not paint over his message he had written on the tank, as it was 
very important.

     The man explained to the boy that it was his job to keep the tank painted and 
clean.  But, that he would leave his message up there, untouched, for two weeks.  The 
little boy, with tears in his voice said  "Thank you, I hope it will be long enough".

  The next day, as the man was driving past the water tank, he looked up.  He saw no 
message or pictures of any kind on that tank.  He shrugged and assumed that the boy 
had just been to scared to make the climb all the way to the top.

     Three weeks later, the mans phone rings again.  It was that same little boy.  Very 
excited, he proclaimed  "Mister, I just wanted to thank you for not painting over my 
message...It really worked!"

    Intrigued, the man went to the tank with his paint and supplies.  He climbed to the 
top, set down his paint and brush.  He walked around that tank several times and still 
did not see a message.  But, as he bent to pick up the paint can, there it was.  
Towards the bottom of the tank, in crayon with a young child scroll was written:

       "Dear God, pleeze let my daddy come home frum war I miss him
                                   Your frend Mike"

The years passed.  Many drawings and words were painted over by one man and then 
the other, as they took the job over.  But never, the one small patch, with that heart 
felt prayer.


For the contest:  Story Time
Hostess:  Carol Brown
Placement: 2nd

Copyright © | Year Posted 2010



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Date: 9/30/2010 2:52:00 PM
SEE! I told you it was a BIG winner! Congrad's Light & Love (And please give my new contest a try!)
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Date: 9/27/2010 11:17:00 AM
A wonderful second place win with this write, I enjoyed the read, what a wonderful story. Caryl
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Date: 9/26/2010 9:02:00 PM
A beautiful and touching Narrative. Many congratulations for this win.
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Date: 9/26/2010 5:41:00 PM
Such a heartwarming story, Paula. Congratulations on your victory! Love, Carolyn
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Date: 9/26/2010 4:36:00 PM
Congratulations on the 2nd place win in the contest, PaULA
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Date: 9/26/2010 4:22:00 PM
What a tender story, and the compassion comes through each word. Congratulations on your win, Paula! ~ Carrie
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Date: 9/26/2010 4:08:00 PM
Very heart touching story. congratulations on your win. Love, Joyce
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Date: 9/26/2010 3:58:00 PM
Congrats Paula on your super win tonight in the Story Time contest with this special piece .. a wonderful write and win to enjoy my friend with luv..
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Date: 9/26/2010 3:43:00 PM
Congratulations on your 2nd Place win in my Story Time contest Paula. Love, Carol
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Date: 9/24/2010 4:46:00 PM
wonderful story! Hope you win! Light & Love
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Date: 9/14/2010 6:58:00 PM
whoooshhh!!!! I apologize if I see this as the universal reason for saying no to war.....bein as how we are now gonna help the Saudi's kill large volumes of daddys, I should be more patriotic.....
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Date: 9/14/2010 5:14:00 PM
Its REALLY NICE AND CUTE...
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Date: 9/14/2010 4:34:00 PM
Excellent story Paula... should do wonderfully well in the contest... enjoyed with luv my friend..tonight...
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Date: 9/14/2010 4:06:00 PM
Smile ~ You know, contrary perhaps to somes beliefs? "I Love Love &, I Love Happy Endings & Stories &, 'I Love This Poem!!!'" ~ Smile, "Have A Very Beautiful & Blessed Day 'Dear, Precious Paula Swanson,' Amid The High In The Sky Water Towers of, 'Beautiful Love;'" Bye Dear Lady!:) ~
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Date: 9/14/2010 4:02:00 PM
Smile ~ "BEAUTIFUL" ~ What a very wonderful & stirring story dear; brought a slight mist unto my eyes as, I could feel the love of the child for his father &, the love & compassion of the worker for the child ~ One of the most beautiful poems I have Ever read at this place called Poetry Soup ~ "Beautiful 'Dear Gifted & Lovely Paula Swanson;' A Fave" ~ "Much Love & Warmth to You & Your Loves, Always," John! ~ ....Cont:)
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