Sunday, September 7, 2008

Barn Boots

I can finally walk past these boots without welling up, getting snotty nosed, and feeling that heavy thud in my chest. They wait in the garage next to my Muck Boots. Family and neighbors would silently chuckle when we saw Smitty in his cut offs and these boots making his way to the barn, making repairs, or hauling manure.
I sort of understand the symbolism here and am reminded of Kennedy's funeral. We old timers remember the feisty black horse in the procession - the empty saddle with the boots hung backwards. It's sort of like that.......
I hope that this doesn't sound too maudlin but writing is so theraputic for me that I can now probably put them in the trash.

9 comments:

Pamala Rose said...

You keep writing Maple! I'll keep reading.

Anonymous said...

Please don't worry about how your posts might "sound." I am sure that every reader you have wants to help in any way they can, even if all we can do is read and send our thoughts your way.

Vtknitboy said...

darling! stop apologizing. we love you and wish you the best. i'm sure lots of little things like that--sounds, when a song comes on the radio, a fave tv show, smells, etc., will cause you to reflect on those loving memories you have of smitty. thanks for sharing...
love you,
chris

Critter Lover said...

Hey Maple,

I've been pausing when I go past those boots by the back door too! I won't forget the picture of Smitty shuffling out to the barn in them either! Maybe we should put some of his garden flowers in them and put them on his grave by the headstone. Or if you just need them to go, then go they should! I've always been deeply touched by the riderless horse in funeral processions with the boots hanging backwards....They did it for Reagan too! This writing is good for the soul, and you may be helping others who read this, too! Beth

Unknown said...

you are doing all the right things...

Kim said...

Hugs for you!

Michele / akkasha said...

It is amazing the way you put it. It brought tears to my eyes. I still recall similar experiences after my dad passed away. It is hard.

I can understand the desire to straighten up things. I think it is actually pretty natural. I wish I had it myself these days.

Sending good thoughts your way.

Firefly Nights said...

My father also had an old pair of boots that looked very much like those. Since they seem to hold so many memories, I'm hoping that maybe you found something to do with them other than trash them.

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Map