Whittle

He sits silent with the old man;
as intrigued watching his gnarled hands
whittle away at the pine twig,
as he is with tales about Gran,
and their life on the wild moorlands.

As he now and then takes a swig
from a large, chipped, dusty brown jug
the man’s rheumy blue-gray eyes glint
with mischief; “See that big fat pig?”
he says, taking another chug
“won him in a wager with Clint.”

“bet the fool I could make a tree, 
whistle the song Yankee Doodle.”
“Well, he lost big time and sure paid.”
He stopped, put his knife on his knee,
winked at the boy and his poodle;
then gave him the flute he just made.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Poet Avatar
August 18, 2023 at 5:45 AM
Terry, Congratulations on your well-deserved contest win, with this lovely poem.
Miller Avatar
September 1, 2023 at 3:45 AM
Thank you so much, I always appreciate your comments.
Goldsmith Avatar
August 16, 2023 at 12:14 PM
Congratulations on your win. Your "Whittle" is a wonderful write. This is a real art form and not done much anymore. Have a great day............
Miller Avatar
August 18, 2023 at 2:23 AM
Thank you Paula for taking the time to read my poem and your kind comments
Merryman Avatar
August 15, 2023 at 9:36 AM
An amusing, nostalgic write, Terry! I enjoyed reading your poem! Blessings, Kim M
Miller Avatar
August 18, 2023 at 2:24 AM
Thank you Kim
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