As I start sorting through the cookbook that was my grandmothers, the one that she hand wrote in her High School Home Economics class, I find some poetry and writings in the midst.
The pages are written in pencil that is beginning to fade. I have tried to preserve the pages in acid free, archievable, materials, but still I worry. So, here, I will share those things I have found. I dont know if she wrote these things, copied them from someone else, or if they were part of another class. Keep in mind that when she originally did this work she was, I believe, a Junior in High School. Some of these seem to have been written later on.
The very first page is titled
The Answers to 21 Years
She wrote him this letter
That's covered with tears
And it is her answer
To 21 years.
Six months have gone by love
The good doctor said
For six weary months, love
Ive been sick in bed.
My poor hungry heart, love
was in agony.
The drug store had nothing
Could help what ailed me
They tell me you're bitter
Cause I did not write
But a brain that is fevered
Is as dark as the night.
So you'll understand why
I didn't write you.
The master in heaven
Knows what I've been through
The judge made you stand up
Said, Dry up your tears,"
Then he sent you to Nashville
for 21 years.
As we stood embracing
They tore us apart
But they'll never tear you
From out of my heart.
They shackled your arms, love
They shackled your feet.
But they'll never shackle
A love that is sweet.
They angels all know, Love
You'll always be mine
And I'll still be waiting
Tho it's a long time.
O wemt tp tje governor
Got down on my knees,
Said, Oh! Mr. Govenor
Wont you hear me, please?
I begged for your pardon
Through those blinding tears
Though all I remember
Was 21 years
And though you're in prison
Behind those old bars
I'll get my strength back
In 21 years.
