Snapping and Stringing

Snappin' and Stringin'

Sitting on the wooden-planked porch,

Not in the sunshine so not to be scorched.

We all waited for grandma to sit, to begin,

What would soon be instruction, a snappin' lesson.

It wasn’t as one might suppose,

One of a lazy afternoon, one of repose.

It was a process one we all grew to know,

After some training, she called it with a glow.

Sitting upon a large stool was our goal,

Snappin' and stringin' it was good for the soul.

That’s what she told us no matter how young,

Snappin' beans and stringin' was a stranger to some.

The minutes ticked away into hours that came,

Filled with talking and laughing, precious moments to claim.

It was good for the family she chided and smiled,

Hurry up now let’s finish she told one grandchild.

The lesson she taught of the many she knew,

Were kept deep within her and shared with the few.

Her grandchildren and close friends often drew near,

To learn about snappin' and stringin', she explained it so clear.

Her voice still lingers in the mountains I’m told,

Talking ‘bout snappin' beans, some kept, some sold.

But within me, that memory and lesson is alive today,

It’s something no one will ever take away.

By: Dan R. Fowler

For: Astrid