Her given name was Miriam, But the old folks called her Marm. She was well into her eighties Before I was even born. How I loved to hear her stories As I'd sit upon her bed Dating back to eighteen hundreds And the life that she had led. Her springhouse stood just down the road… Continue reading MARM
Category: Poetry
BLUFF MOUNTAIN
"What's that mountain called?" they ask As it stands stark against the sky. Glancing toward the smaller peak, "It's called Bluff Mountain," I replied. As larger ridges arrest their gaze, Bluff Mountain retains my own. A precious memory captures my heart When Daddy took me there alone. Then I was just a little girl Traipsing… Continue reading BLUFF MOUNTAIN
All My Life
All my life, they've been a comfort When life's chaos dragged me low; I'd gaze up to see the Smokies Glistening white with winter snow. For as long as I remember, They've stood there to testify That, though life is so uncertain, They'll be there until I die. Like a father or a mother Giving… Continue reading All My Life
Ain’t Shuckin’ Corn No More
Days start early in the mountains; Plantin' starts at break of morn. I liked workin' in the garden, But I sure hated shuckin' corn! Pulling corn ears was like fighting; We would grunt and twist and pry. Bushel baskets filled with sweet corn Seemed to grow and multiply. Blistered hands and sunburned faces, Corn silk… Continue reading Ain’t Shuckin’ Corn No More
Apple Tree
Standing underneath the branches As I watched my brother climb, He would shake the tree with vigor; It was apple-picking time. We'd stuff apples in our shirt tails, Carrying all that we could bear, Knowing Mom would make some dumplings If we just could get them there. Apple fritters, apple turnovers, Apple pies -- mom… Continue reading Apple Tree
Bee Stings
A bumble bee had got me good; I smarted from the sting. I told my Daddy, 'cause I knew He could fix anything. He said that he knew just the cure, While I stared at him wide-eyed. He chewed tobacco, slapped on the sting As I shuddered, horrified. He said it would draw the poison… Continue reading Bee Stings
Borryin’
My Daddy was a mountain man Who'd look you in the eye; His handshake would seal a promise And he'd keep it, do or die. Once a neighbor bummed some money With a promise to repay, Telling Dad he'd be back Friday, But he never showed that day. As the weeks went by, Dad watched… Continue reading Borryin’
Boogerman
For all my life, my aunt would stay For a week or two each year. She loved to come; we loved it, too; But she had one tiny fear: She thought the Boogerman would come And steal us while we slept; But we were safe when she was there - Constant vigilance, she kept. We… Continue reading Boogerman
Can I Sleep With You?
How often Momma would hear the words On cold and stormy nights, Or when we would tell ghost stories And give ourselves a fright. "Can I sleep with you?" we'd beg of her; She'd pull back the covers and then Welcome us with a hug so secure We didn't feel frightened again. As I grew… Continue reading Can I Sleep With You?
Catch the Baby
"Catch the baby!" my brother would yell As he tossed me to the other. I thought the strongest men on earth Were my three strapping brothers. I'd sail through the air without any fear, No thought of falling at all. They'd stand in a triangle tossing me Not once ever letting me fall. I trusted… Continue reading Catch the Baby