We May Have Been Poor...

My father's book

was forty hardscabble acres,

twelve hours sun-to-sun down

busting life from a broken wheel.

They'd burned the schoolhouse down,

he liked to say, to get him out

of the third grade. In truth he made

it through the eighth. I saw the proof

once, tucked away inside my gran's

family bible: proof to all, she hadn't raised

a brood of mindless heathens.

Eleven in all, ten survived, not one

who couldn't read, sign their name,

hold a decent conversation:

"we may have been poor," she said

"but never ever let it be said

my babies were less than any others;

not for looks, brains, or brawn."

And now, I think, both are looking down

tickled pink to know their generations

raised in the proper manner, have grown

to bankers, lawyers, doctor, and a poet.

Ken e Bujold

2022

Reviews

[Gee]

And a good poet it must be said.
Tis a trait amongst those raised with less than most to not blow their own trumpet, a trait I admire unless it sinks into the " woe is me" depths.
We were raised by a single mother, no immediate family so we got to know foster parents and kids homes if mum were ill or needed respite care. I think withholds character if faced the right way :)
Enjoyed the read Ken, good morning

[Ken e Bujold]

good morning to you too Gee. and i agree quite often those raised through hard times develop a wider appreciation of the many riches found in smaller things. A certain pride in being who we are, warts and all

[Gee]

Indeed we do, it's not a hindrance more a spur to working towards a future with more than we had as kids to ensure our own children will have an easier life

[W. Barrett Munn]

I know what oh means to come from poor and you express it well. I’m guessing you’re not the banker.

Winston

[Ken e Bujold]

no!!!! and i suspect my gran would be quite pleased that I am no longer the ad man either. She always had a thing for poets, kept a book of ED handy at all times