Lemonade?

Can I offer you a Beverage?

I was gifted a kitchen towel embroidered with a declaration,

Notifying my guests with a most accurate piece of information,

It’s not a welcome sign, although they are welcomed in,

It’s not a warning to prepare them of a dog that is within,

No, I do not have any pets that I need to announce,

No need for them to be afraid that an animal might pounce,

I want my guest to know they can come and sit a spell,

I will entertain them with heartfelt stories I will tell,

My couch is rather comfy with a multitude of soft pillows,

A gentle breeze is seen blowing out in the weeping willows,

The view is so lovely, and the bird watching is divine,

From all perspectives, everything looks just fine,

But if the kitchen is the house’s heart, mine needs some CPR,

Even though the stools are neatly placed up beside the bar,

The sink is empty, and all the pots and pans are neat and clean,

The dishes are all handy, but not needed, if you know what I mean,

A beautiful white kitchen is sparkling like new,

But the pantry is quite barren and the refrigerator too,

In case they yearn for some homemade apple pie,

I just want my guests to understand why,

I may have to order or go down the street,

To get them their meal or desired treat,

I display my embroidered towel to let them in on my surprise,

As I kindly offer them a fast-food burger and some fries,

My embroidered towel simply reads: “I only have this kitchen because it came with the house”,

I live alone and just don’t cook because I don’t have a spouse,

There you have it, my confession has been made,

Now kindly sit right down, I’ll pour you some lemonade.

Tammy Harvey

11/14/2022

Eye on the Pie

 

My Eye is on the Pie

Eyes as wide as saucers and a little elfish grin,

Napkin tucked into my shirt under my chubby chin,

Fork in one hand and butter knife in the other,

Must eat a piece of pumpkin pie before my little brother!

Thanksgiving has arrived, and the turkey is in the oven,

But it is the enormous dessert table that I am mostly lovin’,

Pecan pie, lemon bars and grandma’s famous stack cake,

I’ve been thinking about all of these since I was awake,

Mashed potatoes and gravy, dressing and homemade rolls are tasty,

But you can’t deny that it does not compare to a homemade pastry,

Macaroni and cheese, deviled eggs, ham and green beans,

Those will all make me unbutton the top button on my jeans,

But I have to stop on the main course and leave a little space,

For the cookies, cake and pie will put a big smile on my face,

A sugar rush is all I need to make this day complete,

As I sit eagerly awaiting on the front edge of my seat.

Tammy Harvey

11/15/2022

Go Vols

I am a University of Tennessee graduate of 1982. It is quite an experience to attend a UT football game in Neyland Stadium, but none would compare to this year's game between Tennessee and Alabama. It's one of those "I was there when" moments. No, I wasn't there personally, but my brother-in-law and his grandson were there to witness history being made.

Go Vols!

Oh yes, it was football time in Tennessee,
The matchup was a legendary rivalry,
Another 3rd Saturday in October brought Alabama to Tennessee,
But the result was different this year, and the Vols moved their rank to #3,
“Rocky Top” drowned out the chant of “Roll Tide Roll”,
As a sea of orange-shirted fans stormed the field and took down the goal,
A 15-year winning streak had finally been shattered,
And for UT fans that’s all that mattered,
Neyland Stadium was at capacity hosting over 100 thousand screaming fans,
And the noise was deafening, like firecrackers inside tin cans,
Five touchdowns were made by #11 Tennessee wide receiver,
Unheard of yardage, talk about an over-achiever!
With over 100 total points scored during record-breaking play,
It came down to a last-second field goal for the Big Orange to prevail that day,
Their spectacular celebration couldn’t be contained,
And the undefeated Volunteers had continued their reign,
Oh yes, it was football time in Tennessee,
That sunny October afternoon will go down in history,
Go Vols!

Tammy Harvey
10/25/2022

Scouting

 

Scouting

Each step produces a snapping sound,

Of breaking twigs upon the ground,

Add to that the crunching noise,

Of dried leaves and little boys,

This symphony is not complete,

Without the percussion of their little feet,

Stomping through the woods on a spring day,

Picking up sticks and without delay,

Launching them as far as their little arms will throw,

Over fallen branches and trees they go,

With a bed of pine needles cushioning an occasional fall,

The young boys practice their best turkey call,

Chartreuse-colored moss is growing here and there,

Then their uncle stops them and makes them aware,

Wild turkey is spotted in the clearing up ahead,

Distinctively strutting with their wattle of red,

The boys are elated to see these bearded creatures,

With wide fanned tails and other comical features,

The gobblers are spooked and make their retreat,

But the siting has made their afternoon complete,

An adventure in the woods has been a successful quest,

To find a tom turkey with his protruding chest,

Strutting around in search of a mate,

A scouting trip designed for a future date,

When their uncle will return all alone,

And shoot a turkey of his very own.

Tammy Harvey

10/22/2022

Carolina Girl

The Pearl

Simple times are the best for this Carolina girl,
If the world is an oyster, I may have just found a pearl,
On the banks of North Carolina, where the waves beat the shoreline,
Like the rhythmic sound of a distance drum, this place is divine,
A natural lullaby that takes away the stresses of the days gone by,
Where the white puffy clouds cover the clear blue sky,
In perfect harmony, and the sand between my toes,
Takes away a lifetime of woes,
For now, in this moment, everything is right,
No troubles, no worries, no heartache, no fight,
As I watch the next generation of Harvey boys playing,
I find myself thanking God, and prayerfully saying,
Thank you, Lord, for this time together,
For family time, for perfect weather,
For nature’s way of showing your glory,
And for making this day a part of our story,
Life goes by fast, and the changing tides here remind me,
That there are highs, and there are lows, but you are beside me,
Your grace is sufficient for this Carolina girl,
Who is enjoying this perfectly formed shiny pearl!

Tammy Harvey
Written: 10/21/2022