The man’s face is leather-like,
as time-worn as
his stained overalls
from years of farming.
His degraded truck’s radiator
is starving for water.
He unscrews the radiator cap
with callused hands and
grabs a thin handle to a
red metal bucket
struggling not to spill a drop.
He’s desperate to get his family
100 miles to California,
via Route 66.
“There’s jobs there picking oranges,
cotton, and pulling potatoes
free from dust-soaked air,
from degradation
and from poverty,” they said.
Halfway there,
steam rose from the front
like smoke signals
to heaven for help.
Passing a billboard, it read –
“Jesus saves.”
Appearing one day
like a mirage in a desert
he finally saw the sign…
“Welcome to California.”
The talk of a better place
must have travelled fast.
Cars clogged roads,
Men surrounded makeshift tables
searching for any available work.
Some Okies back home
apparently heard the same claims.
They had the same dreams;
but felt the same desperation,
and worried just as much.
The promised jobs were few.
Too few.
Sometimes hopes
rise to heaven
like smoke signals
for help—
but there is none.
Sometimes a long road of struggle
is all there is.
That, and work programs
with years of uncertainty ahead.
And so it was for many men
and their families,
year after soul crushing year.
~
The Great Depression
1929 – 1939.
My dad had to work two jobs as a kid during the depression because his dad had died and he had to support his mom.
This is intense but also beautiful lyrically.
Reminds me of the film The Grapes of Wrath.
The Joad family…”I’ll be there Ma, yeah, I’ll be there!”
That’s where the idea came from. I read the book many years ago. Your dad was a courageous person. No wonder why you turned out so well. Thanks for the comment, J.
I liked how you discussed this. Looking through one person’s point of view and I could see it.
Thanks so much for your input Fia. I appreciate the comment.
Powerfully penned, Tim. Excellent write my friend. Appreciate you.
Damian
Thank you Damian. 🙂