Yard Work

My father pushed us in
the wheelbarrow like a cargo
of tree limbs and rocks

around the house
toward the back of the yard
beyond the garden

and behind the bushes where
with sweat and precision, dumped us over
into this memory of my childhood

About This Poem

Style/Type: Free verse

Review Request Intensity: I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back

Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft

About the Author

Country/Region: United States

Favorite Poets: I tend to read Ted Kooser, Jim Harrison, Billy Collins, Paul Simon, Robert Frost. I like minimalist poetry, and poems reflecting on nature and Mother Earth.

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Comments

Jackweb

2 years 4 months ago

Memories

A reminiscent of childhood days. I too, was raised in rural community, lived on farms. Childhood is the most fun and memorable in anyone's life. It is the first stage of life which we enjoy in whatever way, besides, this is the time that shapes up the future. The parents love and care for their children and to the children to the same too.

Your piece has rewound the past; imaginatively I could see my dad doing the same to me.

A nostalgic piece!
.

Lavender

2 years 4 months ago

Hello, Jackweb,

Thank you so much for reading! I'm glad it brought back positive thoughts of your childhood.
L

RoseBlack

2 years 4 months ago

Sweet memories

Made me think of my father teaching me to mow the lawn, much to my mother's dismay. I wound up cutting grass for a neighbor for several summers to earn enough money to buy my own school clothes, since I didn't like what my mother chose. That seemed so important then and now, it is the time spent with my dad and learning from him.

Lavender

2 years 4 months ago

Hello, Carrie,

It sounds like your memories with your father are precious. Time together is very important. Not sure what made me relive this memory - the poem is actually pretty old, but I felt the need to unwrap it again.
Thank you for reading!
L

RoseBlack

2 years 4 months ago

Those memories

Sure are precious! Thank you for unwrapping yours and sharing. There are so many difficult childhood memories it is great to hear the wonderful ones.

Rosewood Apothecary

2 years 4 months ago

Aww

This is just great and I’ve experienced this exact thing. I love how at the end you being dumped into the memory. It lends to the poem an ethereal quality that haze the picturesque beauty of memories and dreams.

Love it,
Tim

Lavender

2 years 4 months ago

Hello, Tim,

The wheelbarrow ride automatically came with yard work. Back then, most people did not sod their yards. They dug and nurtured the ground, removing rocks and debris, and then planted seed. It took years, actually. But my father was very dedicated and loved working outdoors. I am so glad you had similar experiences! Makes me happy.
Thanks for reading!
L