The Old Metal Desk

The first poem that got me started about a month ago was something that is deep in my heart. When I was a young pastor, my father sent an old metal desk to replace my orange crate desk. He couldn't afford it and, for that reason, it has really meant much to me. Let me include that poem as my first entry. I hope you enjoy.

The Old Metal Desk
By larry r linville
He never told me he loved me – at least I don’t recall.
He was father to seven kids and I know he loved us all.
He worked long hours every day – long as he was able
Just to put food upon our meager table.
He took us all to church whenever Sunday came
But had to miss, because of work, most every baseball game.
His approval seemed evident when I heard the call of God.
And at my first sermon he affirmed it with a nod.
He visited our house not long after we were wed.
He glanced into my office and not a word was said.
I know he saw my make-shift desk
Two orange crates and some wood.
And I thought nothing of it as he left and said, “Be good!”
About a week or maybe two I had some very strange luck.
There was a great big package delivered by a truck.
We cut the tape and pulled the sides apart so we could see
A brand new metal desk my father sent to me.
Although he couldn’t afford it
He bought this for his boy.
And he knew what he had given me was much more than a toy.
The desk is now rusted and broken
The evidence of years and wear.
It still stands in my house – unused
With “I love you” written everywhere!

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.