Wednesday, July 9, 2014

That Ole Toe Sack




It hangs on a nail in the old smokehouse
An ole toe sack that’s tattered and worn
Placed there for a reason and it's held up well
Especially, during the days of carrying corn 

I can still see him in his overalls and cap
And that ole toe sack slung on his back
Loaded for barrel, heading for the gristmill
 Fresh cornbread for supper, nothing did we lack

When it came time for the harvest to begin
It carried everything that was put there to grow
There was nothing left behind or forgotten
Walking ever slowly back and forth, to and fro

It carried many big taters dug from the patch
Straight to the tater hole and buried in the ground
There was many a sack full of cabbage each year
 The uses for that ole toe sack continued to mound

When the cold, wind blew, it carried in the kindling
That started the fires to knock off the cold
Hued from the pine knots on the side of a tree
He’d turn it wrong side out and use it twofold

It seems some things are never meant to last
Awe, it so often brings a big smile and a sad tear
Knowing fully well those little apples on the tree
Would surely be picked and used every year

Today that ole toe sack is still hanging on a nail
Left behind as a reminder to all that opens the door
In my mind I still hold on to that cherished picture
And it’s slung over his back like always before

© Susie Swanson, 2014

Happy Wednesday to Ya'll. It's a rainy day in our little neck of the woods but can't complain. We've had beautiful weather for the past week.  I haven't been on here much lately and haven't been writing to much either. This is all I could come up with this morning. I'm still ailin some but hoping for some news soon. Many thanks for all of your prayers. They have surely been felt in more ways than one. God Bless each of ya. Blessings, Susie

13 comments:

  1. You did come up with something wholesome and valuable.
    Not a lot of things last for a good number of years, but our memories are an exception.
    Thanks for sharing them in a very nicely written poem.
    Have a blessed day and a blessed week.

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    1. Awe, thank you so much Munir. Hope you have a blessed day as well.

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  2. This is another wonderful poem Susie! I remember the old 'toe' sack that was used to carry everything. Feel all better soon!! HUGS!!

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  3. Susie,
    Wow, that ole toe sack carried its share of everything, from garden vegetables to kindling. Is that ole toe sack still hanging on the nail in your home, or a loved one's home? Are you feeling poorly lately, Susie? I do hope you are doing well.

    Thank you for the birthday wishes for Nel. It means a lot to me. Loved your poem today, and whenever I read your stories, I can imagine being there in my head.

    love,
    ~Sheri

    by the way, corn bread and butter is one of my favorites. :~)

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    1. Thank you Sheri. It was one that my daddy always hanged on a nail inside the door. I love cornbread and butter as well.

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  4. As a southern gal, I was puzzled when reading this poem.. I had never heard of a 'toe sack'... SO I googled it... I realized that I called it a gunny sack --so I really did know what it was... Excellent poem! Thanks!! Hope you start feeling better soon.
    Hugs and Prayers, Susie
    Betsy

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    1. Thanks Betsy. Yes, it can also be called a Gunny sack or Burlap sack. Hugs to you my southern friend.

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  5. Susie, I've wondered how the sack got its name. We call it a "toe" sack, but maybe originally it was "tow" sack because it was used to carry things. And boy do I remember picking up potatoes from long rows and pouring them into toe sacks to carry to the crib at the barn for storage.

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    1. Thanks Charlotte. I share the same memories as you. Those old sacks sure did come in handy.

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  6. Susie, I have heard it called poke sacks. Maybe toe is short for tote. Hope you are feeling better and getting your drive back. After my crazy test mishap at the hospital..I am feeling fine. I am basically a very strong and healthy person. I try to not let much get me down. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

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    1. Thanks Susie. I always heard a brown paper bag being called a Poke. lol. I'm glad you're doing better. Blessings to you also.

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  7. Wonderful poem about some lovely memories, Susie. I hope you get some answers and feel better soon.

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