Daddie

My relationship with my father was, to say the least, complicated. I inherited his personality and temperament along with his red hair. My parent's friends called me Little Red, insisting I was a carbon copy.
-
As a baby - toddler-preschooler I could do no wrong. My Daddie was my hero and I was his baby girl. When ever my Mother would try to discipline me, Daddie would intervene, determined that I should always have my own way. He was proud of my "spunk", my "spirit". He thought my little tantrums were cute.
-
I was born at the end of the depression, in 1933. My Dad worked for 20 cents an hour and we scrimped a lot, but we really didn't mind because everybody was pretty much in the same boat. We didn't have many luxuries, an orange in my Christmas stocking was a treasured prize. I tell you this so so you will understand the sacrifice my father made for me.
-
As he was walking home from work one day, he walked past the Sassy Shop, a very swanky store for women and girls. He saw in the window, the most beautiful red silk dress. I was probably four or five years of age, but I still remember that dress. It was a stupid, impulsive thing for him to do, but he did it. He bought me that dress, for no reason, it wasn't Christmas or my birthday or even Easter. He just knew when he saw it that I had to have it. He made $1.60 a day, $8.00 a week, and he spent $10.00 for one dress for his daughter. I wrote a poem about it, titled, "The Red Silk Dress". It can be found in my earlier posts, in March.
-
Time went by and suddenly I was a school girl, and this fact was supposed to miraculously transform me into an obedient, well mannered young lady. My hero father now expected me to put away childish things. Wrong! We clashed. My will was every bit as strong as was his. I demanded to have my own way, in the manner to which I had become accustomed. Experience had taught me that if I yelled loud enough, stamped my foot hard enough, pressed my point long enough, I would wear them down and get my own way. They would bow to my wished.
-
Daddie and I fought daily, he would try to make me behave and I would stand my ground He would try to make me clean my plate and I refused, tried to get me to go to bed and I stamped my foot and said "NO!" I felt terribly abused and burdened by just having to live in the same house. When I was fourteen, I got my first job, packing cherries. We had to stand in one place by a conveyor belt and pack the first two layers uniformly, then fill the box with loose cherries. This meant constant twisting and swaying from side to side, contributing to sore muscles that weren't used to being exercised. I was so tired after my first day at work, that I went right to my room, flopped on top of my bed and slept until I was awakened by my father's angry voice. "That girl has got to learn that she is not the only person on earth, and that she owes courtesy to those around her!" I came out to find my parents at the dinner table, wondering where I had gone after work. Daddie was already mad; and it didn't take me long to catch up. I ruined dinner, and the evening, but I had my say.
-
On June 1, 1079, we found out Daddie had a malignant brain tumor. It affected his balance, speech and vision. He lost tremendous amounts of weight. He fell down constantly and my 74 year old Mother couldn't lift him. I stopped by one afternoon to find he had fallen on the front porch and Mom was trying desperately to help him stand. I picked him up in my arms as though he were a child, and carried my own father into the house and put him on the sofa. Then I went outside and cried.
-
For the remainder of the month , and into July, Daddie and I just sat and talked, had some wonderful conversations and I really enjoyed him for the first time since I had been a toddler.
-
On July 5, we finally got a bed for him in a Nursing Home, right across the street from my house, so I visited him every day. By this time he was unable to talk much because of the pain medication, but he knew I was there.. On the 19th, I went to the hairdresser to get a perm. On the way home, I had to go to the bathroom so I planned on stopping in the house to take care of my business, then visit Daddie. As I got closer to home, something told me that the bathroom could wait, and I went directly to the Nursing Home.
-
"We've been trying to reach you. Your father is dying," the nurse said as I entered the lobby. I walked to his room, he already looked dead, as though skin had been stretched over bones with nobody inside. I was the only family member present. My Mom had reluctantly agreed to go on an outing with her church ladies. I called my brother and he and my sister-in-law arrived too late. Daddie went before their arrival. Regretting all those hate filled years, I sat by his side and held his hand for his final moments on earth.

What Is Apple Blossom?

You've heard of Apple Blossom Christmas
and Apple Blossom Mouse,
the selection of a pretty queen
and no rooms left in the house.
-
We've talked about the cruisers
and the confusion they create,
the girl who called me "Witch"
and the girls in two-sixty-eight.
-
I've shared with you these stories,
all in meter and rhyme,
so what else is there to tell you
about Apple Blossom Time?
-
There are lots of wholesome activities
and a Coronation Ball.
We even have a carnival,
there's fun for one and all.
-
There's a horse show and a rock show,
a Junior and grand Parade.
Vendors set up in the park
and there they ply their trade.
-
You can drink and get arrested,
you can even find a fight,
or like me, you can watch the cruisers,
(an awe inspiring sight!)
-
It's not a time for sleeping
or for getting anything done,
it's a time of recreation,
so relax and have some fun.

The Man On The Train

When invited to my first Poetry Convention, I was intimidated at the thought of meeting with Real Poets. I never thought of my self as a poet, I had no talent, I was just having fun with words. Surely those who had sent the invitation had made a mistake, they didn't mean me! My husband tried to persuade me to go, my friends also tried to convince me

-

Eventually they wore me down, and I agreed to go, all alone, on a train. Surprisingly, I had a wonderful time. When it came time for me to introduce myself and read what I had written, I could not do as the others, saying "I am John Smith, and I am a poet." Instead I said, simply, "My name is Ella Dillon.' They asked, "Are you a poet?" I hesitantly responded, "No"

-

When I registered for the convention, they attached a plastic bracelet to my wrist, similar to those provided when you enter a hospital. The purpose being to identify me as part of the convention and get me into all of the activities. After several days at the convention it began to irritate my wrist and I had no way of removing it. On the train going home (four days),I kept fiddling with it, finally, turning to the lady sitting next to me, I asked if she had a fingernail clipper I might borrow to clip it off. She gave me one and asked "Have you been in the hospital?", I replied that I had been at a poetry convention in New York.

-

"Are you a poet?" she asked.

-

"Not really, I just play with words."

-

"I'd like to hear something you have written." So, I began reciting a couple of my favorites from memory.

-

The man seated in front of us turned and said, "Excuse me for eavesdropping. If I may I'd like to read some of your work. Would you mind?"

-

Standing, I retrieved my briefcase from the overhead compartment and handed it to him, saying. "Here, be my guest." He opened the briefcase and began reading. My seatmate and I continued our conversation.

-

After several hours, the gentleman again turned and said, "This is pretty good. You should seek out a publisher. I know what I'm talking about, I am a syndicated journalist."

-

"Thank you very much for the compliment, but I don't think anyone would take what I write seriously. I just do it for fun. I'm not even a very good writer, let alone a poet."

-

"No, I'm serious. I guarantee you, if you do as I say, your whole life will change. Retype a few of these, especially those you have written about people you care deeply about, put them in a binder and send them to a publisher with a cover letter. Then write to me when you have done so. I don't care if you ever get published, I just want to know that you've made the effort. Promise me you'll think about it."

-

Embarrassed, I said I'd think about it. Some time later, we arrived in Haver, Montana, and were told that we would be there a while if we'd like to get off and stretch our legs. I got off the train and was admiring an old steam engine that was on display, when I heard a voice behind me say, "I wanted to prove that I was who I said I was." and he handed me a newspaper clipping with his picture and name on an article he had written. "I put my current address in Vancouver, B.C. and the address to which I will be moving, September 15, in Washington, C.C., Please do as I say, and let me know when you have done it."

-

I have since been to 17 more poetry conventions, and to the Maui Writers Conference. I have won trophies and awards, $19,00.00 in cash award and grants. I own my own small press, publishing company where I published three magazines, Portals, A Quarterly Showcase for Poets, Penny~A~Liner, fiction and other articles and Vignettes, for true experiences. I have written three books, and co-written one and published 10 books for other people.

-

I have been feted twice by the Borough of Audubon, New Jersey, received a proclamation from the mayor of that town, for encouraging young poets. I have been acknowledged for my encouragement in five books by other writers, written a foreword in one book and a preamble in another, I will have a piece included in a book by Dean Koontz, this fall. Has my life changed? You bet it has.

-

Who was the man on the train? I have no idea. I have his name and photograph and by-line on an article he has written. I wrote him when my first book was published and sent him as copy of the book with a dedication to "The Man On The Train". He never responded. When I attended my second convention in Washington, D.C, I wrote explaining who I was and when and where I'd be in the Capitol, and invited him to meet me for lunch as my guest. He never responded. Was he real ? . . .I have proof . . . Who was he ?. . .Was he an Angel ? . . .Sent by God ? . . . Did I imagine him ? . . . Did he change my life? Your answer is as good as mine.

Grandma's Tin Cup (true story)

It was a warm, dry, sunny day. A slight breeze helped cool the air as it stirred up dust devils. The two young boys, Ray and Chuck, were playing in Grandma's back yard. They were such curious, adventuresome, creative little boys, they were not allowed to play in the fenced front yard where there was lawn . . . and flowers. The back yard was dry and dusty, the boys were dusty and dirty, and not allowed to come into Grandma's clean house each time they wanted a drink of water. So, she provided a tin cup, which hung on the water spigot under the tree in the back yard to satisfy their thirst.

-

They spent hours building roads, and driving their toy cars to the sound of "Vrooom, vroooom, screeeech, vrooom!", making frequent trips to the water spigot . . .and the tin cup. Old Blue, Grandpa's huge Australian Shepherd, lay in the shade of the big old maple tree, watching, occasionally meandering over to check out the construction of their roads, "No! Blue, go on! You wrecked my road! Now I have to start all over!" Blue would amble off to the tree, and drop heavily to the shady ground, with an "uummph" of air being forced from his lungs.

-

As boys of that age 5 and 6, do, they soon tired of the game and began playing with the tin cup, throwing water on each other, running, laughing and turning their dusty overalls to mud. Chuck took a bathroom break, running to the outhouse, back by the combination tool shop and garage.

-

When he emerged, the tin cup did not emerge with him. "Where's my Grandma's tin cup?" demanded Ray. "I dropped it down the hole." Chuck responded casually.

-

"That's my Grandma's tin cup!" Ray yelled "You gotta get it back!" Thus saying, he dragged Chuck (who was a chunky little 5 year old, Ray was a bit taller and slimmer), back into the outhouse, put him headfirst into the hole, holding him by the feet, while Chuck fished around in the smelly contents of the hole for Grandma's tin cup.

-

"Don't you drop me! It stinks down here! It's dark, and there are spiders! I can't find the darned old cup! Pull me out!"

-

"Not until you get my Grandma's tin cup!"

-

"It's not here. I can't see. It's dark down here! It sunk! Pull me up!"

-

"No! We have to find Grandma's tin cup! She'll kill us!

-

'If you don't pull me out right now, I'm gonna tell!" Chuck whined. "My head is starting to hurt! I'm dizzy!"

-

"Don't be a baby! You dropped it, you gotta get it back!"

-

"I'm gonna tell my Mama on you You'll be in big trouble! Get meee out of heeere! Wait! Oh my gosh! Here it is! I foouund it!"

-

Ray pulled him out, with some difficulty, and when they exited the outhouse, they were both covered with slime from head to toe. Ooze dripped from their hair, it was in their eyes, noses. and ears, causing them to resemble something from the black lagoon. Just then, Grandpa arrived in his old green Essex. Seeing the boys, he began to laugh, "What in the world have you kids been up to? . . . don't move! Stay put!" . . . he connected the hose to the spigot and attempted to wash the worst of it off. Blue thought this looked like great fun and tried to join the party. He jumped and dodged and cavorted through the spray from the hose. He bounced and rubbed against the boys, and was soon wet and shaggy, and smelly too.

-

Grandma, hearing the squealing boys, the barking dog, and her husband roaring with laughter, came out to see what was going on. "Chuckie lost your tin cup in the toilet, Grandma, and I made him get it back!"

-

"Why child, you could have drowned your cousin! - - -For an old tin cup! George, put down the hose and go get the wash tub. Boys, take off your clothes and put them in the wash tub when Grandpa gets back with it. I'll go get some towels. You're not coming into my house till you get that smelly stuff off you!" Grandpa arrived with the tub, the boys put their clothes into the tub. They hosed off some more, then dried off with the towels handed to them by Grandma.

-

"Thank you, boys, for the responsible way you took care of my property, but don't you ever do that again! George, go get Rose and tell her what these boys have been up to. Have her bring over some clean clothes. I'll take the boys in and get them bathed properly."

-

Grandpa walked next door to his daughter-in-law's house, and laughingly, told of the boy's heroic efforts on behalf of Libby's tin cup."That's terrible, Pop. Chuck could have been suffocated! Ugh! They must smell awful! Are you sure they aren't hurt?"

-

"No, Rosie, they're fine. A bit excited is all. Libby is giving them a bath, they'll need some clean clothes. That Raymond of yours is pretty conscientious with other peoples property for just 6 years old. Not too concerned with his cousin's welfare, though."

-

As they walked next door, to the scene of the crime, Rose got a mental picture of the events and started to giggle. "I'm sorry for laughing, are you sure they're all right?" Grandpa reassured her, then grabbed Blue to clean and dry him off, as Rose walked to the kitchen, where the boys were standing, toweling off. Rose handed them the clean clothes and tried hard not to laugh as they dressed. As soon as they finished dressing, they ran back outside to play. Rose turned to her mother-in-law,

-

'Thanks, Mom, for cleaning them up. Ethel is so fastidious, she will die when she finds out how her son spent the afternoon. Are you going to gild that cup and save it with the rest of your souvenirs?""

-

"That cup has already been retired to its final resting place, we don't need it around to remind us of this little episode!"

-

Grandma and Grandpa are both gone now, as is my Mother, Rose, and my Aunt Ethel. My brother, Ray, and my cousin, Chuck, now 70 and 80, respectinely, still sputter and turn red when this story is told. Neither of them knew until much, much later that Grandma eighty-sixed the valuable tin cup the moment they were out of sight.

A Smile Will Do

I can't believe the lengths to which

you go to get some flowers.

It's not necessary 'cause

your smile alone has wond'rous powers.

-

There was no need to break your leg

just to get attention

you didn't have to suffer because,

if I just might mention,

-

your smile is like a rainbow

which spans the clear, blue sky

or like a dip of ice cream

on a piece of pumpkin pie.

-

You have a loving nature

and a strong sense of fair play

which causes all who know you

to treasure each new day,

-

in which we are greatly honored

to fall beneath your spell

as we strive for ways to please you

by doing all things well.

-

So, honey, please be careful,

relax, let your bones heal.

And we'll still get you flowers

'cause our love for you is real.

Ode To King

I wrote this poem as a contest entry to Stephen King. The contest was to write a poem including as many titles of his books as you could. I won first prize. The titles of the books are in caps.

Ode To King

-

CHRISTINE and

DELORES CLAIBORNE

took THE LONG WALK

down THE GREEN MILE,

in OVERDRIVE;

to THE DARK TOWER,

taking THE STAND

against CARRIE,

THE GIRL WHO LOVED TOM GORDON.

Suffering from INSOMNIA,

MISERY, RAGE and DESPERATION

they entered THE WASTE LANDS,

meeting THE GUNSLINGER

and the REGULATORS doing

ROADWORK.

They secreted their

NEEDFUL THINGS;

in the BAG OF BONES,

as they met

THE RUNNING MAN,

taking THE BODY

of CUJO to

SALEM'S LOT.

Hell On Earth 1994

My eyes were drawn to the west where the sun

was slowly slipping past the mountain range.

The sight that was unfolding was one of such

grotesque beauty I could not help but stare.

The black smoke hung heavily above the last remnants

of the sun, giving the impression that Hell was sitting

at the edge of the world.

The river that had just hours before been running so blue

and clear, now ran deep red as if it were the blood

from all of nature that had died in the fire.

As darkness finally arrived, towers of flames could

be seen shooting into the darkness, dancing like demonic

monsters as they devoured all of nature that stood in their path.

The sound that accompanied them on their destructive

journey was like the roar from crazed beings, joyful

in their creation of chaos and obliteration.

Then came the silence.

A silence so profound my heart cried,

for nothing had been left to carry on the world.

Faith B. Godbey

Wildfire 1994

It

crept

insidiously

over the mountain

and down into the valley

consuming everything in its path,

trees, underbrush, homes,

wildlife and habitat . . . old growth timber . . .

the home of the endangered Spotted owl . . . . . . . . .

Chipmunks,

Squirrels, tiny birds, woodpeckers . . .

Every creature that calls the forest home . . .

Brown bears, black bears, elk, deer, cougar . . . .

Displaced.

Lakes and rivers steamed . . .

Streams and rivulets boiled . . . . fish died . . . . .

Waterfowl fled with singed wings . . . . In its wake,

blackened, smokey, barren remains . . . Devastation . . . Oh woe!

But . . .

Pine cones, opened . . .

by heat . . . spew forth seeds . . .

germinating . . .growing . . . until . . . one day . . .

before us stands, once again, a mighty forest

of pine trees . . . completing the wondrous cycle . . .Of life . . .

And death . . . And rebirth . . . All in God's time . . . And His Will . . .

Praise

God, all

Creatures

Here below!

Country KYSN

Whenever I get bored and
I feel like nappin'
I turn on country music
and it starts my toes to tappin'.
-
Doug and Brian and Eric
are all three really funny
and you can always find them
where it's ninety-eight and sunny.
-
So when to country music
you want to take listen,
dial ninety-eight point seven
for a little country KYSN.

Ode to Florence (Henderson) and Willie (Nelson)

Giving of yourself to others with no thought of recompense
shows us you are human and filled with selflessness.
Posing for a picture and signing autographs,
listening to small talk and sharing a few laughs,
with those who admire you and see you as a star
is tiring and stressful, and proves you really are.
When you take the time to smile and say hello,
it costs you very little and causes hearts to glow.
If you write a little note to encourage a young fan,
saying they can do it, you're confident they can.
You have the power to inspire or demoralize
by just a look, a touch, a smile from within your eyes.
God up in His Heaven will notice your kind deeds.
He'll pour out His Blessings, and will fulfill your needs.

Integrity

Some might call him a bad boy,
but he's always been my pet.
He may have his problems,
but what you see is what you get.
-
He never made pretenses
that he was better than he was,
he'd come right out and tell you
that these are things he does.
-
He never made excuses for
the things that he had done,
and, I guess, if he hurt anybody,
he was the only one.
-
I can't say I approve of
the kind of life he leads,
but I've known more respected men
whose integrity he exceeds.
-

The Flower Child

Her hair was soiled and matted,
and died an odd shade of red.
She was wearing combat boots,
looking very underfed.
-
Her clothes were worn and ragged,
I just could not get involved
with such a loathsome creature
who had problems unresolved.
-
Then a soft voice spoke to me
to ask my destination.
I couldn't just ignore her
and so, with resignation,
-
I answered, and a pleasant,
long conversation ensued.
I found inside the cover,
a beautiful attitude.
-
We talked of life and living,
and the reasons we were here.
We talked of love and sharing,
and of courage and of fear.
-
Her years were only nineteen,
with a wisdom so profound.
I learned a valued lesson
from this child who'd been around.

Where is Spring????

My calendar tells me
that it is spring.
So, where are all the flowers,
and robins on the wing?
-
I haven't seen a crocus
or yellow daffodil,
I haven't seen a sparrow
or heard a whip-or-will.
-
Where are all the tulips,
and violets, so shy?
I haven't even seen
one little butterfly.
-
I have seen lots and lots
and lots of rain,
and I believe that in the hills
it's snowing once again.
-
I think I'll check my calendar
to see if it needs fixed,
it's either that or the seasons
are getting badly mixed.

Control

I am the master of my fate
and the captain of my soul.
I have it within my power
to maintain complete control.
-
I may choose to wear a smile
and keep my head held high,
or I may opt to wear a frown
and moan and groan and sigh.
-
No one has the power to
determine how I feel,
unless I relinquish my grasp
and let another take the wheel.
-
So, why do I react the way I do
whenever you appear?
You fill my day with sunshine
whenever you are near.

A Ride On The Train

I made a trip to D.C.
to discuss my poetry.
Who would have thunk it?
I tried hard to debunk it.
They all said they'd heard of me!
-
Li'l ole me, from Wenatchee,
a place unknown in D.C.
Some of them had heard my name
spoken with minor acclaim.
This is my great fantasy!
-
I'm coming home in a dream.
This trip was creme DE la creme!
I had a chance to sell books,
I received admiring looks,
and became a part of the team.
-
I sold more books on the train
to friends I hope to retain.
May our lives once again pass,
in either coach or first class.
Friendship is our greatest gain.

Loneliness

She wiped a teardrop from her eye,
saying, "Ella, don't you see?
Virg is gone, I miss him so!
There'll be no other love for me!
He shared my life for many years,
now I'm alone at eighty three."

They all say I talk a lot, and
that with words, I am very good.
For once in my life, I was without
words, to show her I understood.
I wanted to take away her pain, and
make things right . . . oh! If only I could!
-
Each of them had wed before,
their's was not a lifelong love.
Tho married in their twilight years,
they fit together like a hand in a glove.
They helped each other to stretch and grow,
both looking to God above.
-
Through his illness she nursed him,
his debilitation broke her heart.
This was not what she had bargained for,
he was healthy and strong at the start.
But tho she too, was growing old,
she gave all as she played out her part.
-
She's comfortable, able to pay her bills,
not hungry, so why give her pity?
There are so many people without
money food and shelter in every city.
But, I see her tears, and I know
that being forever alone is not pretty.

A Night Out At The Movies

Once upon a time,
a long, long time ago,
a family would dress up
and go downtown to see a show.
-
Buying goodies to sustain you,
then picking out your seat,
filled with great excitement,
the whole evening was a treat.
-
They always had double features,
two movies for the price of one.
For the space of an hour or two
you put your worries on the run.
-
Then a Drive In opened up
just on the edge of town.
No more reason to dress up,
pajama'ed kids in back laying down.
-
This was great for lovers,
in the privacy of their cars.
They were able to act out the movie
and compete with movie stars.
-
Ah, I remember them fondly,
those good old days of yore!
Then, the advent of T.V.
movies are enjoyed no more.
-
You await a T.V. special,
and, as the movie starts
you run to answer the door,
missing significant parts.
-
Then the endless commercials,
selling most everything.
The movie returns, and you
hear the telephone ring.
-
The dog stands in front of the T.V.
somebody steps on the cat.
The kids get into a squabble,
can't take anymore of that!
-
I still see my movies downtown,
I find T. V. is for the birds!
I pay for my ticket, sit and relax,
and avoid the thundering herds!

Mothers Day - 1

We honor our Mothers

one day out of the year.

The Mother, who, when we were hurting

dried each and every tear.

She gave us life with

much suffering and pain,

she kissed our hurts and

lifted us again and again.

She fed, sheltered and clothed us

the best way she knew how,

she taught us and nursed us

and soothed our fevered brow.

As we entered adolescence,

and started to date,

she worried and prayed for us

each time we stayed out late.

So, we buy her candy and flowers,

and maybe, even a card.

Not much! But you know something?

To her it is ample reward.