I wrote this in story form a few years ago, but it fits this week’s dVerse Poet Pub’s “Poetics” prompt, so I poeticized it this morning. The dVerse prompt was titled “Missing You”, and if there’s one thing I miss more than any other, it’s the good old days and those fun times with my aunts, uncles, cousins, and the rest of my extended family. We’re scattered all over the country these days, and it just don’t seem right.
A Boatload of Memories
It was just an old boat
Leaning sadly to one side
Weeds grown up all around it
Paint chipped and faded
Motor gone
As I stood on the path gazing at it
I saw my Uncle Marvin
Driving the boat, grinning
Pulling me and Ed around the lake
Me and Ed wearing matching grins
That wouldn’t come off for days
Summer days when we were kids
Man… them was the good old days
Riding in the car
Me and Ed huddled at the window
Watching for that first glimpse of water
Then… screaming in unison
There it is!
Shimmering in the noonday sun
The cool water calling our names
As we jostled and giggled
In giddy adolescent anticipation
Yes, just an old boat
Forlorn in the lakeside weeds
A faded forgotten relic to some
But a boatload of memories to me
I miss those childhood days
Copyright © 2012 C Mashburn
brian miller said
a boatload of memories…smiles….i remember trips to the lake in my youth as well…learning how to ski and board behind the boat…or just being out on my Uncle Donnies boat…those are some good memories for me as well charles…
happy birthday to your grand daughter as well…
charlesmashburn said
Thanks a bunch, Brian!
poemsofhateandhope said
Yeah- I’m with you on this one. I’d lve to revisit those days…I love how you capture the summer in this piece …. The boat, the heat….it’s that perfect nostalgia …. We need to hold on to these memories, they’re important. Great poem Charles- and happy birthday to your daughter! Hope the party wasn’t too tiring!!
charlesmashburn said
Thanks for the great comment, Stu!
Bodhirose said
We both were late to the party today, Charles; I posted after you. But I loved reading about your boat load of memories…so glad that you have so many! Sounded like lots of fun on that boat…
charlesmashburn said
It was loads of fun!
Sherry Mashburn said
Wonderfully evocative, Charlie!
Lázaro Rojas said
Ahh, childhood. So far away, yet so close. Love those kinds of memories. Thanks for sharing!
charlesmashburn said
Thank you! I hope you enjoy my blog.
kimnelsonwrites said
You’ve got me loving Uncle Marvin and that old boat!
charlesmashburn said
He was a wonderful uncle!
catnipoflife said
Wonderful memories! It reminds me of ‘papa, mr. catfish and me’ @ http://catnipoflife.wordpress.com/echoes-from-the-past/ Scroll down to mr. catfish:)
charlesmashburn said
Thanks, Sharla! I loved your poem!