Sweet Sue

Written by David Marchuck Barbour, 2013.

Author’s narrative. Sometimes I wonder whether I can find empathy today, not only for those around me, but those that lived so long ago. We think we have a luxury of time, and in a way we do. We work our eight hour a day job-try to fix a broken dishwasher or unclog a drain and we’re at our max. We have no idea what is was like. I wanted to explore what it must have been like for our ancestors-for them just to survive and how they faced the death of a loved one. Here’s my take: Sweet Sue.

No time to mourn
When the fields of corn, ripens
And one can hardly spare an hour
When the weather on the horizon, darkens
And a big grey wolf threatens the sheep
And a bleating calf-caught in a thicket
Needs me now to get it out.
It’s time to care for what’s alive, not dead.
I’m sorry Sweet Sue, so much to do.
Maybe this winter I’ll carve a cross for you.
If we have ‘nough wood to keep us warm
And we’re able to pass through the coming storm.
If not? We’ll see you soon, Sweet Sue.
Just know, my love, it isn’t you.