The Wooden Plate
Version by Elton Camp
(I make no claim to this centuries-old tale. It’s usually presented in the form of a short story, so I decided to cast it as a humor/pathos poem brought more up to date.)
Grandpa always made his own way
With reluctance, he moved in to stay
Night times, he was often awake
Daytimes, his old hands did shake
One day, he broke a fine china plate
The accident his daughter did hate
“Now my set’s no longer complete!
From china, you don’t deserve to eat.”
The old fellow dropped his head
But there was nothing to be said
But inwardly, he ruefully smiled
At how much she broke as a child
Silently, sadly he took the blame
Circumstances weren’t the same
That day, with her son in tow
To the store she angrily did go
“I want for gramps a wood plate,”
Sharply to her small son did state
“The old fool will find it hard to break.
I’ve had about as much as I can take.”
Son said, “I know what to do.
Instead of one, let’s buy two.”
“Now why should I do that!
You’re stupid as gramps, brat!”
She turned ashen as the child told
“You can eat off it when you’re old.”
Copyright © Elton Camp | Year Posted 2014
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment