The 1998 Kringle Ice Storm

The ice storm's fury pelted the 'Ville, 

As Christmas Eve darkened across Bawcomville.

Children from Rayville and towns all around, danced 

to Brenda Lee, as the lights flickered and went out.

Thunder! Crash! Kaboom! Blam! The night sky glowed 

red as tree limbs fell.

The children were worried Christmas would be late, 

that Santa would get lost crossing Caney Lake.

As the winter wind swirled Santa called out to his team, 

we will make Columbia by midnight and the Bonne Idee.

The frozen lake glistened by the lights of the mill,

lighting the way for Santa Clause to come visit Bawcomville.

Leaving presents and candy Santa climbed high in his sleigh, 

saying "Merry Christmas Bawcomville this fine Christmas Day."

Christmas always comes, always.

                           

- Tom M.

                                                          

 

© 2020 Tom Malmay

UNDER THE MEMPHIS SKY

You are so dismissive. You don’t know about Birmingham, Alabama in 1963, or Selma 1965. I grew up hearing these stories. I heard the dog whistle in Virginia. 

Damn, damn, damn! I’m trying to reach you. 

You make me so mad. I’m trying to talk with you. My family did not own slaves. I wasn’t raised to be racist. You come at me with that attitude, and I get frustrated. 

Damn, damn, damn! I’m trying to reach you.

Our Heavenly Father, our tongues are tied, and the children are bootless. We lost our teacher under the Memphis sky. We ask you for wisdom to heal our land from the scourge of racism, persistent poverty and flooding. 

We reach out to you under the Memphis sky. 

Tom M.

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Photograph Source: National Archive

Click here - Pieces of History: National Archives

© 2021 Tom Malmay