What a Story In Those Old Hands

If his old hands could talk, my what a story they could tell.
The only life he's known, has been brutal, pages taken straight out of hell.
Yet you never heard a complaint he just took whatever life dealt out.
And during the hardest of times he never once let his family do without.

His old hands were rough, calloused, and many times bloody and raw.
But his heart was soft, pure, loving, and kind, almost perfect without any flaw.
No bitterness could be found it was just not his way.
He wasn't real religious but I know he loved the Lord and knowing him I feel that it was okay.

His only vice was a 5 cent bag of Bull Durham smoking tobacco when he had the price.
I've heard him cuss but he'd always tell me you don't repeat that cause it ain't nice.
He'd get up before daylight and walk miles to work.
Then usually after dark he'd return home, but his duties he would never shirk! 

Those were childhood memories of a better place and better times,
memories of my grandpa when he was still in his prime.
He was my hero and to this day a better man I have yet to meet,
I miss him a lot, and just knowing him has made my life better and filled memories that no one can ever delete!
                                            Thanks Pa!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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A   Avatar
March 28, 2016 at 11:54 PM
Ronald Bingham, nice to see this one again. LINDA
A  Avatar
January 21, 2014 at 3:42 PM
Love the story you share... Love ~SKAT~
Hardy Avatar
January 19, 2014 at 5:27 PM
Ron, I been gone way to long...love this write, and I always thought of you as one of my dearest friends....
A   Avatar
December 24, 2013 at 5:13 AM
Ronald, --Dropping by with SMILES and CHRISTMAS CHEERS. Thank You for making this a great year for ALL OF US. --- May magic fill your days and all your dreams come true this holiday season. MERRY CHRISTMAS <3 Love Linda -The Sweetest Poet Destroyer
Eastman Avatar
December 27, 2012 at 11:04 AM
Flawlessly perfect in it's content and it's love. I don't know where you've been but I love your work.
Ginn Avatar
September 29, 2012 at 5:55 PM
Okay so where be you Mr. Ron? I've been on here a time or two and today I was thinking of people who I felt close to years ago and came to read some of your poetry. Are you still writing? Hope this finds you well and smiling. Your words warmed my heart today, I was such a daddy's girl~
Eastman Avatar
January 13, 2012 at 8:44 AM
A beautiful dedication. My Grandpa worked laying rails on the rail road... He too lived for his family... Many memories you brought forth... Thank you.
Brown Avatar
September 15, 2011 at 8:35 AM
Thank you for sharing your outstanding poetry with us today Ron. Let the words continue to flow from your pen. It is so wonderfulto see you posted here today. Love, Carol
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