Saturday, July 16, 2016

The Old Country Store







She’s seen many a season come and go
That old country store was one of a kind
Those big welcome doors were always open
It was the place to go and buy on time

A watering hole for the community
Meeting up with the locals was a daily trend
They traded many stories and bartered too
A way of life they all came to depend

A weekly, anticipated trip to the that old store
To pick up supplies or pay on a bill
Was a pleasure that could never be denied
To everyone that came, it was certainly a big deal

 Wagons carried chickens, eggs and cream
That good homemade butter was the best of all
For a pound of coffee, sugar, a sack of flour
They were all in it for the long haul

Many rabbits came straight from the traps
In exchange for tobacco or a Christmas gift
Those big bolts of yard goods looked so good
To the women folks, their spirits did lift

Oh how those candy jars stood out the most
Sitting on the counter so large and tall
That array of penny candy sure looked tasty
Plenty of children would still recall

Or those big barrels sitting in the corner
Filled with pickles, potatoes or seed
With a little extra money in the pockets
A chance for some much needed chicken feed


That old pot bellied stove sitting in the middle
 Became a familiar sight for all to see
Always surrounded by plenty of chairs
And the famous spittoon and its popularity

And that old building acquired so many names
The local post office was in the back
Many jobs for the proprietor surely did grow
Even an undertaker, nothing did he lack

That weathered old building gave so much
A useful, old place where wonders never cease
Where skills became plentiful for pulling teeth
Or when the need arose, justice of the peace

The welcome sign was always there
From the time they entered till closing of day
 A busy, old place filled with warmth and cheer
Open Monday through Saturday, closed on Sunday

Now it sits empty and feels so all alone
Knowing things will never be like it was before
Where many came and went and the living was good
And anything could be found at the old country store

© Susie Swanson 2016

5 comments:

  1. Beautiful. So many memories of my childhood in that poem. Just came across your blog from fb and will now follow!

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  2. The old country store sounds wonderful, Susie. So many things in there to buy, even fabric for the ladies to sew their special dresses. Coffee, Eggs, Cream, and Butter, it sounds like they had it all. I bet that old stove in the middle of the store brings back such memories for you.

    Susie, we had a store like this when I was growing up, and that's where all the kids got our penny candy from. They still have the store to this day, but it's a wonderful deli now, and me and my son just ate a sandwich there the other day. :) I really love your stories of when you were growing up, Susie. They are heartwarming.

    love, ~Sheri

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  3. Lovely poem, Susie. I enjoyed reading your memories about the old country store. It's too bad it isn't there anymore. They still exist in some places and are a fun place to shop and spend some time.

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  4. You certainly have a wonderful memory!
    How are you doing on these hot summer days?

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  5. Wow! This is another wonderful poem, Susie. It brings back many wonderful memories of my childhood. Loved this poem!

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