Chores Poem by cheryl davis miller

Beans or greens, I still can hear Momma say;
kids you can have both if you like today.
Biscuits are ready there's no need to wait
now come on let's say grace, and fill your plate.

Smoke from a cookstove, curls up in the mist.
Silence is broken as Mom makes a list;
of chores to be done while she is at work.
Your brothers in charge, he gives me a smirk.

The neighbor's called down, there's work in his field
girls gather eggs, and get potatoes peeled.
Take clothes off the line, and sweep up the floor,
She grabs for her bag, then thinks of some more.

Need hick'ry wood cut for the smokehouse boys.
Just remember those chainsaws are not toys.
Gas is in the shed; please try not to spill,
cost's thirty cents a gallon to refill.

Patty keep an eye out for the milkman,
I hid his money in the coffee can.
Don't let your Daddy see where it's kept please,
cause you know his drinkin's like a disease.

Tye the dog up, so old Ned don't complain.
Get the barrels out; looks like it might rain.
If you have some time, play pretty today
wash up before bed; don't forget to pray.

Early in the morn, these thoughts come around.
Like it was yesterday I hear the sound,
of Momma and us kids, and Daddy too,
long ago echoes, of chores we had to do.

c.d.m. 2012