Grandpa And The Gristmill

                                             There was once a way of life
                                              many long years ago
                                              most people could never imagine
                                              or even believe it was so

                                              Things were hard to come by
                                               my daddy always said
                                               like the food on their table
                                               and a place to lay their head

                                               Everybody had their own struggles
                                               they all needed a friend
                                               and that's where my grandpa
                                               and the old gristmill came in

                                               Electricity was never heard of
                                               its power source, a big water wheel
                                               the water running straight from the creek
                                               it ground the corn and turned it into cornmeal
   
                                               Some came by horse drawn wagons
                                               with their corn on the back
                                               some walked every step of the way
                                               with the corn tied up in a big, toe sack

                                             
                                               They came from far and near
                                                as it was used for one thing
                                                to provide bread for their family
                                                from the corn they would bring

                                               With determination on his side
                                                my grandpa worked hard everyday
                                                even on the sabbath
                                                if someone came his way

                                                Today I can't help but wonder
                                                why people don't walk the same road
                                                and do what grandpa did
                                                and help carry some of the load

                                                Grandpa and that old gristmill
                                                surely did play a big part
                                                in helping to calm the struggles
                                                of a generation's hungry heart

                                     

                                             © Susie Swanson  

I never had the privilege or honor to meet my grandpa, on my dad's side of the family.
He died in 1937 at a young age. But in his short life, he left a legacy that is still talked about today. My dad filled his shoes for years, alongside his brother. They kept the old gristmill running because so many people depended on it for their bread and to feed their families. They changed it around somewhat, they switched the power source from water to gasoline which worked the same.
In the very place and exact spot where I live today is where that old gristmill was located. Sometimes, I can imagine hearing the roaring of the millstone and the grinding of the corn and I can see the people lined up waiting for their turn and I then can hear them saying Thanks alot Seb, we'll see you next week.
Hope you enjoy...Blessings, Susie