The Fate of Ol' Man Goodwin and His Wife

Grandpa told this sad story when I was young. Unfortunately, it's true. Simple words tell you of a tragic event that took place in a small community in rural Virginia. Warning: About suicide.

The Fate of Ol' Man Goodwin and His Wife

He went to the fields on his farm ol' folks say.
To visit his livestock, his favorite bray.
He hugged them.
He kissed them.
He told them goodbye.
They knew that by bedtime their master would die.

He walked by deer path on foot to the James.
He inhaled the water, the feeling was strange.
He struggled,
He strangled,
He held himself down.
He knew in a moment his body would drown.

His wife said she should have been listenin' to him.
He'd shared that he knew 'bout her new friend named Jim.
She cried,
and she screamed
for she'd caused him this fate.
She shot off her head which fell down to her plate.

The neighbors who found her they started to pray.
They begged of the Father for answers folks say.
They trembled.
Horse trotted.
They rode into town.
They searched for Sheriff who soon they both found.

Author's Note

I actually wrote this when I was a teen. Grandpa told us one day after his morning visit to the Corner Grocery. My love goes out and prayers go up for all of you who have been through the loss of a loved one who died in this manner. This week, two members of my small community ended their own lives, and this sad event made me think of this old story.

Reviews

[Rose Ellen]

Great story! I wish I was able to write a story in just a few sentences. It is a rare talent and you most certainly possess it. Very well written.

[Claire in VA]

thanks!

Ill be reading yours soon!

Claire

[Scott Metro]

Very sad....always a tragedy ...
Well written...

Scott

[Claire in VA]

Thanks, Scott, for taking time to read and review.
~Claire in VA :)

[Michael]

It is an interesting tale. More so you being a teen when you composed it. I think you should compose a second version now that you have a few more years. It would be nice to compare the two works.

[Claire in VA]

Great idea! Thank you. :)

[LL]

A sad story but excellent conveyance in poetic form-Levi

[Claire in VA]

Thank you :)

[LL]

Your welcome:)

[lee von cleef]

Sad emotion to tie up as a youth, You did it well, Crisp clear conscious words sifted through the grand father to the teen.

[Claire in VA]

I appreciate your review. Thank you!
~Claire.

[Sami Khalil]

Sad story and touching...Thank you for relaying...:)....................

[Claire in VA]

I appreciate your time to read and review!

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome...:).....................

[A. Amos]

Deep dark yet very well written. You are good my friend

[Claire in VA]

Thanks for reading and reviewing!