Words By Heart, My Poem

Across the country Papa set,
To find some new land, and a job he would get.

From Scatter-creek to Bethel Springs
They packed up all precious belongings, all their things

From a 'Black' town to a 'white' one
People to look out for, like Mr. Haney's son

Papa got a job from a women of riches
The jobs she gave nearly put him in stitches

Lena went to school, education she was getting
Even all the while a metal desk she was sitting.

Mrs.Chism wanted Lena one day
When she got there Mrs.Chism babbled, having her say.

Up in the attic rows of books Lena saw
Upon asking for them in utter awe.

What Mrs.Chism heard she did not like
She said "You get it together, or go take a hike"

Lena took a book anyway,
She'll never miss it, not by my say.

Her plan would've worked, I'll giver her that much,
If Roy hadn't done wrong, spilling his milk and such.

Papa found out, to Mrs.Chism's they went,
But not before Mr. Haney's place, time they did spent

Mr.Haney Become cross at Papa that day,
Taking off on his horse, further away.

Papa tried to find the long lost fence,
Tater became anxious, worried and tense.

The barn door he tried to get Papa away,
Lena ran over, trying to save the day.

Papa was embarrassed by Lean's bold move,
With what she did, he did not approve.


To Mrs.Chism's house they finally went
For Lena's mistake, she asked for Claudie be sent.

While the silver she was polishing, a deal she heard,
Papa would go to a hill named after a bird.

Papa set off early that day
"I'll be back Wednesday for sure," Was all he could say.

While away at Hawk Hill, Lena was sad
Waiting hopelessly for her dear dad.

In the middle of the night Lean woke up,
She grabbed some bread, put water in a cup.

Town fading fast now, sun rising high
She solemnly whispered her farewell goodbyes.

Papa she found a hole in his side,
With the shouter she found, Tater nearby.

He said his last words as he was near Death
"I love you Lena, and everyone else. Including this land, dear old Beth,"

Lena made a promise, sure
She would get Tater back, find a cure.

It wasn't easy, as you may know
It hurt her in a way that couldn't be patched or sewn.