Toothpick

15 Replies

Toothpick

A blade of wheat that my dad found
spread out alone upon the ground
was no doubt relieved and thrilled
that it wound up, instead of milled,
stuck between my dad’s front choppers,
better there than in the hoppers
of the flour mill’s grinding wheels—
a sacrifice to future meals.
A fate as toothpick far superior
to a stomach’s dark interior!!

The three word for the 3 Things Challenge are: Thrilled, Milled, Ground

During wheat harvesting, my dad often had a stem of wheat, head attached, sticking out from between his two front teeth.  Caught in the act of picking his teeth, it was a handy storage place.  Other times of the year, his front pocket always contained a few toothpicks to first use, then suck on, switching them from side to side between his lips. This prompt was made just for me!!!

15 thoughts on “Toothpick”

  3. Unknown's avatarSam

    Beautiful Judy, and your book cover made a beautiful poem illustration as well. Once again thanks for something that I will remember, the poem, a mental photo of your dad, and memories of seeing just that act many times in many places.
    I never thought of it before but how about the reference to “Leaves of Grass” parable? Did you think of this~? Your poem is not so questionable as Whitman’s was, but how about the term: “stem of grain”~? If you ever come to republish your book, this poem should be added~!

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      1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

        Ah.. but you mean the poem in the blog. Yes, it is new.. perhaps in a future book. It would have worked in the one just entered for publication yesterday…bad timing.

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          1. Marsha's avatarMarsha

            As do you – have charisma. I wish we lived closer. You would be so much fun to hang out with. You have great stories, hobbies, and talents. I don’t know what your mom was like, but you got it all, girlfriend. 🙂

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