JD #1
Son:
Growing up in Lynchburg, Tennessee
It was understood that he would follow his Pa
Into the distillery, when he turned 18
He’d been working there since he was 16,
Pushing broom and learning enough to know
He wanted to do more.
The new teacher had been showing them computers.
“There will be one in every home.” She was sure of it.
He didn’t know if that could happen, but he sure was fascinated
Pa called it foolishness, “Waste of expensive electricity, if you ask me.”
Ma just mumbled, “Lands sake. What would anyone want it for?”
Always the youngest in his class, he turned 18 a week before graduation
He did the only thing he could do that wouldn’t disgrace his Pa
He joined up.
Pa
Couldn’t say he wasn’t proud of him
Serving his country and all
He never had really understood the boy
Always more interested in books than ball
Had his Ma’s brains, like that
Still he sure did miss seeing him around at work
“That’s a right bright boy you got there,” the foreman would say,
“He’s gonna go far in this company.”
Not now, now he wasn’t going anywhere but to sea.
He slipped into the tavern for a drink
Ma wouldn’t approve, but she’d understand.
He missed his boy who’d become a man.
JD #2
Pa
Didn’t seem possible
That he could be old enough to retire
Still, he’d had a proud run
Working his way up the ladder to the office
Now technology was moving faster than he could
Soon as he learned one thing
Another came along
His body was able, his brain was tired
He’d take his commemorative bottle
And find a rocking chair
It wasn’t so hard letting go,
He knew the new guy would do a good job.
Son
He laughed at the irony
Retiring from the Navy after 30 years
His Ma and Pa were so proud
“Finest sailor I’ve ever had the privilege to serve with.”
The Skipper had said. His Ma beamed with pride
Now he’d take his college degree and computer experience
And fill his father’s shoes
At the distillery.
-Laura Tarasoff
poetrybytheshot 