The Old Telephone

Painting by Spike O’Dell W4WGN Brentwood, Tennessee

The Old Telephone is something to remember.
On the old party line, I heard why young couples were getting married in September. 

Learned many things about Preacher Brown,
besides being the Pastor of the largest church in town.

Aunt Lizzie wasn't my real aunt at all.
Not enough time here, to climb that wall.

Whose kids were who surprised me?
I never heard of such a thing you see.

My Mamma caught me listening one day.
She spanked my hand and sent me away.

It's odd what I saw the very next day.
My Momma, sitting there, just listening away.

November 13, 2022
Mark Waldrop

The Old ticking Clock

The tired Old Seth Thomas is just tick-tocking away
If she could talk, the stories she would tell at the end of the day

She was born early morn in April 1889
She shore been ticking a very long time

A few times the ticking stopped when a family member died 
I think I saw a tear falling from her face as we all cried

She ticked when little Seth was born
On that frosty Thanksgiving, Morn

She's ticked through many graduations 
Ticking right on through joyous occasions 

She's seen many wars and many parades
The marriage of several pretty young maids

Will she ever stop?  Only Father time will tell.
Only if her tired springs aren't wound so well.

November 2, 2022
Mark Waldrop

Dr. Zainab Mian 

Dr Mian is one if my wonderful Doctors.
If a category, She would win an Oscar.

Being very knowledgeable, having all the correct advice. 
My lab results would be much better, if I were more concise. 

Being very kind, Dr. Mian guides me back on track. 
Feeling so encouraged I never look back. 

God sends his Angels to care for us, here on earth. 
Dr. Mian and her staff are exhibiting their great worth. 

October 25, 2022
Mark waldrop

Chick-fil-A 

What a great place to take your whole family. 
A great place for kids, you won't lose your sanity. 

Everyone loves the many choices on their menu. 
There has never been a more delightful dining venue. 

From Baby Jane to Grandpa Jim,
All being satisfied while keeping slim.

The attentive staff is always so friendly and caring. 
It seems their kindness they're always sharing. 

They are hired first, because of their outstanding character. 
Being taught the work skills, to serve America. 

When you have genuine love in your heart
It will be transferred to the customer's, A la carte.

October 18, 2022
Mark Waldrop
Written for Jim, KB4IUD, & Jan Hollis 

The Astroid 

If we shift something that GOD has put into its Holy place. 
Is there a possibility in the future, that will bring us much disgrace. 

Man will never have the power  to save mankind. 
He has conjured that up in his own selfish mind. 

So who does have the power to save mankind from destruction. 
Discovering the creator of the universe will lead to the correct deduction. 

October 11, 2022
Mark Waldrop

Hurricane coming

Hurricane Ian John Ringling Causeway, Sarasota, Florida September 28, 2022
A Cat four Hurricane is coming around the bend
 It doesn't look like it's going to be my friend 

Marching across Florida, causing much devastation
Fema is being called, to help with many renovations 

We know when they're coming. They can't hide. 
Our biggest mistake, what to do, we can never decide

To leave or stay, to board up the windows and hunker down. 
We just pray we made the right decision, to stay in town

All the cell phones are charged. The flashlights are ready 
Our job now is patiently waiting and staying steady

Don't wait till the storm arrives to pray to GOD Above
He knows what's going to happen but He wants our love. 

September 29, 2022
Mark Waldrop
Moncks Corner, SC
Written before the arrival
Of Hurricane Ian

Smiling Faces and Beautiful Places

South Carolina, the most beautiful state I have ever seen,
Yellow Jasmine, Palmetto Palms, the landscape a luscious green

The sea caps of the ocean that caress our shore
Wonderful aromas, from the sea,
I adore 

Our state is vibrant and has a strong heartbeat of love,
Growing so fast with blessings from above.

South Carolina welcomes all, to find their niche within,
Having fun and fellowship with family and friends 

Smiling faces and beautiful places describe the soul of our state. 
As often said, “Nothing could be finer than to live in South Carolina”.

September 23, 2022
Mark Waldrop

Southern Vittles 

Have you ever traveled down to the Deep South
And put some of those lapin delicacies in your mouth

Delicious crisp waffles and Southern Fried Chicken
Turnips, Collards, Cornbread and beans, that's livin

The more you eat the better your tummy will feel
Just like Grandma stirred up for her next meal

The next family vacation you begin to plan 
Head on down to the tasty south, you be tha  man

September 21, 2022
Mark Waldrop