Treasures Along the Way

She leads me into the storybook place,
Little chirping birds-naked newborns nest
As we gently reach in their houses-
What are these strange-lings?
She knows them well-she watches over them-
But her joy is in the showing 
Them unto me. 
Nestled in my little hand-filling it up.
We travel on to the next place-
House after house-spring has come!
Behind the squeaks and chirps, 
The rooster crows and struts-
He is so proud.
She leads me by the hand-through the mud-
The hen house lends a different song-
Cluck-clucks nestled on top
Brown speckled eggs are the prize-
Ma-Bird gathers her share-
Teaches me the art
She knows so well-
Delicate shells-balanced perfectly 
In her worthy hard working hands.
A chuckle escapes her Tennessee lips 
As she handles the old rooster’s threats-
He will not harm me-not even try-
For she is my guardian 
As we walk by. 
The feed store beckons-
Respite it gives-
The huge refrigerator holds her wares
Big bags of bird seed-brown and soft-
But for me it is heaven-
Cool, cool air
As she allows me-
The wondrous pleasure!
The large spoon I dip-as the grains fall and flow
Into the small bag-customer’s tow
The day ends with kitchen noise-
Blackberry turnovers
Delicately formed, 
Warming our hands as it 
Oozes out-
Juicy fruit-
Fruit of her labors.
Birds, blackberries and beans-
Bounteous harvest nesting on silver bowls-
Snapping beans, pitting peaches-while
Singing songs of old-
But out in the yard-
Those nestlings hatch-
They will sing too
Ma-Bird comes with love in her hands-
Bringing riches of the land-
Her hat sways in the breeze-
She is looking down at me-
Ma-Bird, Ma Bird,
Sing your song-
I will be here 
Trotting along

Becky Hull – Written about her grandmother
2008