I remember

sorenbarrett

An outhouse stood where toilet paper holding chips of wood disposed of one's grief
A kerosene lamp beside a straw mattress damp, from day's work, one's only relief
Water from the spring, a hose did bring to a kitchen with a wood fire
Noon the meal, simmering tin pressure cooker with seal handle bound with wire
On the plate beans and rice, not enough to fill twice, the meal of the day
Fighting bugs that were thugs, never time for play

Comments +

Comments13

  • nephilim56 ( Norman Dickson)

    a time of basics finely worded

  • arqios

    I too have vague memories of a similar scene. Now they could not be revisited even if one wanted to but only in memory and poetry. Thanks for bringing me back. 🙏🏻👍🏻🕊️

    • sorenbarrett

      Thank you my friend for the review and kind words they mean a lot

      • arqios

        Most welcome dear Soren 👍🏻🕊️

      • Lorenz

        A bleak picture tinged with the sepia hues of misery...

        • sorenbarrett

          Thanks Lorez one does not know misery unless one has known better

        • poet2rhyme4tommorrow

          though brief, i attend to the astounding ability of your poetry forged in the crucible of an adept word smith in my humble opinion one of the best scribes online, whose popularity a testament of such talent.

          • sorenbarrett

            You are most kind and your reads are deeply appreciated. Thank you for your kind words and support it means a lot. I deeply appreciate your encouragement

          • Dog days

            Hello mr. Sorren I would like to appreciate your efforts in trying encourage budding poets on this site. You are awesome.

            • sorenbarrett

              It is my pleasure and gives me great joy if anything I can do helps another in their expression and poetry. I do not claim expertise I am an amateur but if I can help spread an interest in poetry or aid a newcomer It is a joy for me. Thank you so much for your kind words and support it is deeply felt.

            • 2781

              I am glad I found you x

              • sorenbarrett

                Thank you for the review and kind words I am glad too.

              • soheil khodaparasti

                Beautifully written and deeply touching. Such simple memories, yet so much hardship, resilience, and heart woven into every line.

                • sorenbarrett

                  I have lived here but was not brought up here it is where someone I love was raised. Thank you for your review and kind words Soheil it means a lot

                  • soheil khodaparasti

                    You are welcome. Knowing this place holds such a special connection to someone you love makes your words even more meaningful.

                  • Paul Bell

                    This is raw and I hope there's no apology for that.
                    It is what it is, and that's life.
                    Sadly, kids in some countries still don't know what play is, just hardship.

                    • sorenbarrett

                      Thanks so much Paul I deeply appreciate your review and encouragement. Yes that is true some grow up fast and I am not sure if that is good of bad as some are most diligent and driven for success over the lazy of many cultures but the trade off is no childhood and nurturance.

                    • orchidee

                      Good wite SB.

                      • sorenbarrett

                        Thanks my friend it is very much appreciated

                      • Friendship

                        Nicely done

                        • sorenbarrett

                          Thank you very much my friend

                        • Tristan Robert Lange

                          Soren, this reminds me how easily later generations can smooth the rough edges off the past. Pieces like this put the physical reality back into it...how exhausting and unforgiving daily life could actually be. Really felt this, my friend. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦‍⬛

                          • sorenbarrett

                            Thank you Tristan for the understanding words they are most appreciated my friend

                          • Kevin Hulme

                            It makes you appreciate what we have.
                            Good Write.

                            • sorenbarrett

                              Thanks Kevin I appreciate your read

                              • Kevin Hulme

                                No Worries, as they say. 👍

                              • Goldfinch60

                                Back in those early days of our lives soren but we are here in our lives still.

                                Andy

                                • sorenbarrett

                                  Indeed we are Gold and I thank you for the read and comment my friend



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