Light for My Path
She holds the light
In the dark I cannot see
Light I need
for I'm afraid of the dark
She holds the light
She came I bribed her with the light
My little sister
keeping me company
She holds the light
Bedtime walk out in the dark
Outhouse is there
a football field length away
She holds the light
so that we can see bad guys
ghosts and goblins
and other scary things
She holds the light
Now behind chicken house
Outhouse is there
under the trees in the dark
She holds the light
while I'm sitting on a seat
Though a two seater
we go in one at a time
Other holds the light
stays outside alone in the dark
And when we're done
back we trudge, she holds the light
_ _ _
This was an almost true nightly episode in my life. Athough the year my sister was born, five years after me, we got electricity and indoor plumbing in the house, we used the toilet and tub sparingly. Mom could use both, my little sister the tub.
So she, Dad, and I used our outdoor outhouse in the grove back behind the chickenhouse. There were no lights that shone back there. As a country boy I was not allowed to be afraid of the dark. But I did not like to be out alone after dark.
We had a flashlight and I always had Sister carry it, which she liked doing, so that she would come out with me. I do not remember either of us going out there after dark. Bathing? Dad and I showered by the washing machine out in the back porch. Sister used that a few times but mostly the tub. Dad had to scrap the cesspool once and he didn't want to do that ever again.
https://jimmiehov.blogspot.com/search?q=Lois&m=1
..tm
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- Poem Copyright, Jimmiehov 2020, All Rights Reserved
- I am linked The Sunday Muse # 129 for the picture prompt at http://thesundaymuse.blogspot.com/2020/10/sunday-muse-129.html?m=1
What a memory Jim and wonderfully told. You should write a memoir!
ReplyDeleteLOLOL! Great. Completely unexpected.
ReplyDeleteThere are many similarities in our childhoods, Jim. Our little house on the prairie had 3 bedrooms and a path too! Never went at night, though. We kept a "chamber pot" under the bed for necessities! I enjoyed your memories!
ReplyDeleteThis put a big smile on my face Jim... :) ...when ya gotta ya gotta go... BTW, well written!
ReplyDeleteWhat’s going on here??!! You have taken over my childhood though it was always me holding the light. Love it.
ReplyDeleteThis was a fun celebration of your sister! Bravery is much stronger when shared. :)
ReplyDeleteThat would be a scary walk for young kids in the dark of a country night. I loved reading about this memory of childhood, Jim. I love such stories. We old ones have a kazillion stories about those times that kids these days would find amazing.
ReplyDeleteAs a child I was afraid of the dark. I would definitely need someone to go with me. I am so glad I just had to turn on a switch.
ReplyDeleteOh I remember those days. We lived in the country with few outside lights to brighten the night. I was blessed to have either of my sisters carry a light for me.
ReplyDelete