An Understanding
Jacob Johnson Underhill,
Our long-gone friend, we miss him still,
For there’s none left to pester now
That he is dead; the old hay mow
Has no more mousetraps set to catch
Him with an unexpected snatch;
His cows remain un-tipped; the well
Where his hat “accidentally” fell
Is boarded up; the outhouse stays
Untroubled now for days and days
Where it was once (we’re sorry, Mom)
Deposit for a cherry bomb
And too, quite often (sorry, Dad)
Pushover to a farmer’s lad
And lass who hunted for a thrill,
Thanks to old farmer Underhill.
Now his old tractor has not seen
Us sugar up his gasoline
Or stuff a tater in its pipe
For ages, things that used to gripe
Old Jacob some, but he plowed on
With chuckling brown-toothed grin; he’s gone
And how we miss him now, old coot,
Who never bent to our pursuit
But took it all in patient stride,
The way we liked to chap his hide.
The fact is, he loved us until
He was no more, old Underhill.
It’s dull down on the farm these days,
Except when a peculiar haze
Will sometimes gather in the field
And there his shade may be revealed
To grin, complicit with us still,
Old Jacob Johnson Underhill.
Art-Colored Glasses 
Love this narrative, perfectly accompanied by the rustic images!
Thank you, my friend, I appreciate it particularly coming from a poet of your depth and quality. I’m looking forward to following your blog!
Quite a fellow! Every farm trick in the almanac played on him and he took it all in stride. 🙂 Great mixture of humor and nostalgia.
While it’s not a real person, the character is *definitely* based on a number of adults I knew as I grew up, those “extra grandparents” that always show such tolerance and good nature toward all children. Lucky me!
I’ve been priveledged to know some of his ‘kin’, I think. 🙂 I love the textures in the old wood.
Thanks, Ted. The window and door/lock shots are both from an antique barn at a great recreated historic “town” park in Stockholm, a really fabulous old structure. I think I could’ve spent the entire time in the park at that one building, except that the whole place was loaded with such lovely stuff. Must get back someday!!
You must have been VERY NAUGHTY children! gorgeous pics ! c
Darling, you KNOW we were absolute saints every minute! Just ask our parents.
So impressive all of them; photographs and words… You are amazing. Thank you, with my love, nia
I’m just lucky to have such amazing friends as you! Warmest regards from Kathryn (currently at the airport in Colorado on the way home!).