Quite in the dark.
Condenser, relay,
Romex rusted under weeds.
Here we chose our places
And our deeds--
Useful under stars, black trees,
Probing earth for logic
On our knees.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Della's Pump Again
It's been 3 years since I posted this poem on"Invalid's Workshop" and now it's 11 p.m. and I've just come back from working on Della's pump again. This time, I had to run a hose across the field from my well to her plumbing so she could shower and flush etc. --fell down climbing over a wire fence and hurt myself! I then gave her phone numbers to call in the morning. I no longer solve submersible pump problems in the dark. That was a recreation for a younger version of me. But I was reminded of what it means to be a rural neighbor in this world and decided to repost the poem before the country is entirely paved and ruled by Home Owners' Associations.
His old mother's well quit
Quite in the dark.
Condenser, relay,
Romex rusted under weeds.
Here we chose our places
And our deeds--
Useful under stars, black trees,
Probing earth for logic
On our knees.
Quite in the dark.
Condenser, relay,
Romex rusted under weeds.
Here we chose our places
And our deeds--
Useful under stars, black trees,
Probing earth for logic
On our knees.
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Funny--in retrospect.
ReplyDeleteIn retrospect, yes, and while we worked too. Now, I have to help alone --but still, I feel the humor of it.
DeleteWhy do those things always happen at night? I'm sure there is some universal law or something. You are a good neighbor.
ReplyDeleteEmma, you've nailed it again. These things do occur in the middle of the night. And thanks for the compliment --I have seldom heard one so succinctly phrased or so well-deserved.
DeleteHow wonderful this is. Service to anyone on earth is service to everyone on earth. You are a lifter, Geo.: http://crossroads-dean.blogspot.ca/2012/03/lifters-and-leaners.html
ReplyDeleteP. S. Did you get hurt before or during the running of the hose? It's not clear to me. Anyway, I hope it's not too serious a fall. Take care.
ReplyDeleteO Jenny, thank you. Part of my anatomy snagged the fence on its way down and I dropped rolling in the pitch-black grass of the meadow. Bruised elbo --but ego uninjured.
DeleteWhat a hassle! Understand the nature of that. We lived in the boondocks for several years. I remember well helping our 80 plus widow neighbor Edna as she was trying to round up errant cows that seemed to escape only at night. Bright moon light helped, a bit. That too was a younger version of me.
ReplyDeleteYou know the routine then, Tom. Della is 84 but has no cows --however, I couldn't in good conscience, let the plumbing connection wait 'til morning. She'd been rationing the water remaining in the pressure tank for 3 days because she didn't want to be a bother. Wish she'd called earlier because she hadn't shut down the current breaker and I believe her pump is fried. Anyhow, saw a service truck out there today and haven't heard back, so fear I might be right.
DeleteThose calls in the night seldom are good news. You are such a good guy, Geo.
ReplyDeleteThanks Arleen. Della has been a neighbor for many years and I've had to temporarily depend on her well once or twice. Pump Service business thrives out here! Unfortunately, my original take on her submersible pump was correct and it must be hoisted up the casing and replaced. It'll be a while.
DeleteI liked this one a great deal! I tried my hand at a poem! Come visit and let me know what you think.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I did visit to read your poem and was quite impressed.
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