Welcome to Cozy Poetry Corner by Debra Winter (Debbie)

“Farm Wisdom & Coffee Mishaps: Ma’am Knows Best“

Well, what’s on my agenda for today,

I hope it’s something less boring than bailing hay!

The sun’s not up, the rooster hasn’t cock-a-doodled–

I have a drooling dog who wants to be canoodled.

Now this is ridiculous, what gives today? Is it market day?

Do I need to bake mincemeat pies? “Dogs go play!”

Better look and see what the darn weather is like outside.

Hot and muggy, smells like everything has French fried.

Hey, Mr. Beanpole Tootle?

What’s going on out here? Lose your caboodle?

“Sorry, Ma’am, my potbelly stove took a dump last night,

It was way too dark to find my orange flashlight!”

“I had a package of farmer matches—lit one up,

Then I spilled my cold brewed coffee from its cup.”

“Making a mess I burned my golden straw bed,

Took my bucket of water, doused it, now it’s red.”

“I ain’t having a good morning, ma’am, just not good.

Soon, as I promised, I’ll get chopping, that thar wood.”

Mr. Tootle, come join me, have some hot coffee,

Calm down, quit being so wishy-washy.

Things will get done, just take it easy, I’ll get you a bed.

We’ll get your stove fixed, and the bed won’t be red.

You start working on chopping that wood today,

I’ll go shopping for your new bed right away.

“I thank you ma’am, I’ll get busy right away,

I appreciate you in every way.”

“Is there anything else you’d like me to do,

I’ll feed ole, bumblefoot Bestie Lou for you.”

Sure, you can do that, she should be by the pond,

Be nice to her, maybe she’ll love you, and bond.

I’m leaving now, I’ll be back by about eleven thirty.

At noon at the latest, can you also watch Peanut and Gerity?

They are both pregnant bunnies, ready to deliver, any time.

This week, for your extra help, I’ll pay you an extra dime.

“You sure are, a wonderful person Ma’am, thanks.

Drive carefully! I love workin’ for you then, Papa Franks.”

“Now, I got to get to work, I promised ma’am, I’d chop all thar wood,

Feed bumblefoot Betsie Lou, watch bunnies, it’s all good.”

“Ma’am’s a good boss to work for, she cares quite a, bit,

Even know she hired me, the clumsy, twit!”

“I hear a big truck comin’ down our road,

Sounds like they got a heavy load.”

“Ma’am’s car is behind it, she’s back so soon.

Oh ya, it’s just about noon.”

Mr. Beanpole Tootle, I’m back, I got your new bed

It’s in the big truck and it’s surely not red!

And I have a man coming to fix your stove all nice and new

So, you can make food again and your coffee a hot brew!

“Oh Ma’am, thank you! I’ve finished everything you had me do.

Beanpole thanks you so much how can I, ever repay you?”

Mr. Beanpole, I trust you; just keep doing what you’re told,

Ma’am is aging, getting weaker and way too old.

The wind kicked up as a rooster cock-a-doodled do-ed,

And Bestie Lou waddled in, with her baby duck crew.

Ma’am gave a chuckle, waved as she walked toward the door,

Your stove’s warm now, no sleeping tonight, on the floor.

The truck with its squeaky old horn, rolled down the dirt road,

Towards the setting sun, looking beautiful in bright gold.

Mr. Beanpole Tootle is happy with his new stove and bed.

Happier it’s dry, and not the ugly color red.

Ma’am settled into her rocker with a blanket and sigh,

Stating to herself, I’m glad this farm has a great working guy!