Ladle by the well

In the Great Depression, Grandpa lost the farm

moved the family to town

To a little house with a well in the yard

between the coal shed and cellar door

Momma said he hung a ladle by the well

sometimes placed extra garden produce on a chair

Before a cinder block room was built over the well

I asked him why he hung a ladle by the well

He said he did it for hobos who rode the rails

looking for work or a handout in town

You ain’t human, if you can’t spare a thirsty man

down on his luck a cup of water to drink

He said they did all the work pumping the handle

he just hung a ladle by the well

7-10-20