Parson Walk

We'all talk 'bout the Parson some, (don't know fer the women folk)
'specially when some frien' gets a lookin'
off in space and thinkin' deep. (eyes closed tight fer distractin')

"D'ja ever notice how he walks flat?" (Jeb chewin' on a twig a spruce)

"Yeh, like he was still climin' down the ridge,
weight still on the hind foot 'till he be knowin'
what lies ahead -- heel dug in secure."

"Never in a hurry but ready to get there, sure." (Willy never get no place fast)

"Nope! I was thinkin' more how his legs
move regular without his thinkin' 'bout em a'tall.
He don't even look ta ground much, I recon --
'cept maybe by plan hatched at the meadow edge"

"Yeh -- yer right thar. He be lookin' at tree tops wavin'
and clouds a fumblin' around fer rain -- and whistlin'" (which Jeb couldn't)

"Ya'd think he was practicin' up a sermon, 'cept he
don't work that way. Leastwise I never hirt one" (his brother was a preacher)

"Well, he tells some stories though,
and sometimes I feel later that I've been …" (we knew Willy meant church)

"He tells the best stories to the kids, ya know" (that's me speakin' soft)

"I be thinkin' they was just fishin' down there ta hole"

"That too -- but maybe like the Lord done used fishin'
fer to get people relaxed -- then throw a net over'em"

"Now Chester, don't be atalkin' like that. Jessie'll
whup you long side t'head with her bible sure."

"I've been ponderin' 'bout a story o'heard last week,
when I was snuzzin' in the loft o'r Ranny's place. (now we get down to it)

"So that's … (Willy get the hush sign from the Squire)

"Ranny's youngin' asked the Parson 'bout believin' --
said he was confused about what folk were s'posed
to believe in -- lot o' what yer hear di'n't make sense."

"Right smart kid, thar … (Willy gets poke in the arm)

"So the Parson don't answer direct like --
he just tell a yarn about predictin' the weather."

Just then, Jess's mom shouts down 'bout how
the vittles goin' to the hogs ifin we don't fetch
up to the porch right quick … (widow mean, but shor kin cook)

so that story's gotta wait a spell …

papa