The Wittling Bench

The time was an earlier yesterday 
middle town America back in an earlier yesteryear
a time when life moved so much slower
neighbors helped neighbors and people had time to chat 
there was a time when you could find it there
probably tucked back under the storefront awning
in front of some old rural country store
just an old slab wood whittling bench
where each day; weather permitting 
a few senior gentlemen gathered about
no captains of industry these but each armed with
his favorite whittling knife; honed to a keen edge; wood in hand 
a place where stories were swapped; off color joke exchanged
talk was of weather, crop prices, politics or latest news of the day
strong opinions expressed; arguments vigorously make
as small wood chips were the only product of the day 
the scene played out year upon year and with time
with a notch cut here; a few chips carved there
the old whittling bench was slowly carved away
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Murray Avatar
April 11, 2016 at 5:42 AM
I like the small town mentality. I grew up in a village and know the feeling. Well done.
Bennett Avatar
April 11, 2016 at 11:12 AM
Thanks for your comment Jean. It was appreciated.
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