The Widow's Mite ~ Weston

Weston worked and worried
from sun up till sundown
for the freed-man knew the reason
that Pap had gone to town.

Pap had loved his family
but now that Ma was gone
Pap had said to Weston
"I can't do this alone."

Pap had hitched the wagon
and said "I've got to ride"
" But I'll be back this evening
with Leatha by my side.."

The young uns worried Weston
as they picked and teased all day
No matter how they nagged him
not a word did Weston say..

Pappy loved his Leatha
She worked right by his side
she proved herself a help-mate
not just an Old Man's bride.

Weston held each baby
As if they were his own
and all too soon for Leatha
God called Pappy home

The Young uns said to Leatha
we will give you land
some lumber for a two room shack
a mule and Pappy's Hand.

the Child bride was a widow
she had no will to fight
Weston was a freed-man
who became the widow's mite.

Weston spoke to Leatha
as the sun rose on the day
"Get yo babies Mammy
and lets be on our way"

Side by side they worked the land
a forty acre sprawl
they watched the sons grow in to men
straight and strong and Tall.

They called him Uncle Weston
their  Pap had set him free
But he stayed to help their mammy
and hold them on his knee.

Crony; Benson; Dorris
and baby Elloree
all loved their uncle Weston
and now we come to me..

Weston died one Sunday
I  now live on the land
where Mammy came with babies
and one old wrinkled hand.

They say Old Weston walks here
Him and his Mule Belle
They plow and plant the acres
and see that we are well..

I never saw a spirit
but sometimes late at night
I here the mules bell jingle
I see a lanterns Light..

Uncle Weston was a freed man
His skin as black as Night
But  Mammy was a widow
and he was mammy's Might!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Hero Aka Hero-Wilson Avatar
July 21, 2010 at 8:18 PM
CONGRATS ON BEING FEATURED! RHONDA HERO AKA THE KEEPER
Adeite Avatar
July 19, 2010 at 11:15 AM
Congrats on having your poem being featured this week, enjoy the honor and keep writing. Love, always Adeleke
Brown Avatar
July 19, 2010 at 5:15 AM
Congratulations on your poetry being featured this week Patricia. Love, Carol
Fisher Avatar
July 18, 2010 at 6:47 AM
Many congrats on your wonderful feature this week rgds Jan
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June 5, 2010 at 8:05 PM
Good use of language to lend reality to your words. Congratulations on making it through the first round of the Poetry Soup contest with this poem. Best wishes in the finals. Karen
Brown Avatar
June 4, 2010 at 2:08 AM
Congratulations on your poetry making it through the first round Patricia. I wish you the best in the finals. Love, Carol
Jordan Avatar
May 28, 2010 at 6:36 PM
Patricia, what an amazing story. Very well written - -Congratulations on having your poetry featured this week, God Bless, mj
Brown Avatar
May 25, 2010 at 5:42 AM
Congratulations on your poetry being featured this week Patricia. May you have many more features and may you find loads of inspiration along the way. Love, Carol
Fisher Avatar
May 24, 2010 at 12:49 PM
A wonderful story so heartwarmingly told. Many congrats on your feature this week. Rgds Janette
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May 23, 2010 at 4:56 PM
The story comes alive in a heartfelt way through your words. Congratulations on having your poem featured. Keep up the good writing. Wishing you ongoing success. Karen
Delacroix Avatar
May 23, 2010 at 3:05 PM
Awesome take, very picturesque and warmhearted. Loved it. Congratulations on your poem being featured this week. Best wishes, Caroline.
Devonshire Avatar
September 16, 2009 at 8:51 AM
What a wonderful, uplifting write, composed with a welcome creative style, Patricia. I absolutely love the way this narrative unfolds. And I do believe the Old Weston is still taking care of the land. I feel like I just read a great short story written in verse! Pure 7, my dear. Love, Carolyn
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