The Tire Swing (poem) by David Lee Thompson on AuthorsDen

The Tire Swing
by David Lee Thompson → (All Poetry by David Lee Thompson)
Rated "G" by the Author.

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More than fifty years ago, my father hung a tire swing from an oak tree simply because I asked him to do it. That's the way things were back then. Fathers had time to do things for their children. I'm not good at poetry, but this short piece is a simple tribute to my father's goodness.

From my memoir River of Memories: An Appalachian Boyhood * * * * * My daddy hung a tire swing; He hung it way up high. He didn't pick just any tree But the one that touched the sky. He looped its chain across a limb-- The biggest one around. And then he looped it once again On the first limb off the ground. Next, he searched his pile of junk For the perfect tire to use. It was a tire without much tread, 'Twas the one that he did choose. He looped the chain about that tire And secured it with a ring. Now the big oak tree that touched the sky Could hear the children sing. * * * * *

Reviewed by Jms Bell

Reviewed on July 23, 2019

AN ODE TO DAD, THE OLD TREE, THE SWING AND THE MANY CHILDREN THAT SWUNG AND SANG. WHAT MARVELOUS NOSTALGIC IMAGERY HERE...JUST WONDERFUL. THANK YOU FOR SHARING, MY FRIEND...LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS

Reviewed by Connie Faust

Reviewed on January 30, 2011

This is a memory to be treasured forever. I especially love the ending..."Now the big oak tree that touched the sky
..........could hear the children sing." You gave the tree a loving personality in that line.
Connie

Reviewed by Diana Wiles

Reviewed on January 30, 2009

David..correction..you write WONDERFUL poetry! You also have the rare gift of being able to capture powerful feeling along with the images.
This was a beautiful tribute to a loving Father..and the memories remain...

My Dad made us a swing too..not a tire, but made individually, as was his loving way. It was different from all the other kids 'bought' ones. I loved it all the more because of this....

I loved lines:

He didn't pick just any tree
But the one that touched the sky....

Those lines say so much about your Dad..and your feelings and appreciation of him...

So truly glad to have found your work....

Love, Diana

Reviewed by John Leko

Reviewed on March 7, 2008

...in the above preface 'I'm am not good at poetry'...holds no light to the well written heart of one...who remembers the kindness in a father...who gave a child...a sense of magic...and freedom to touch the sky...in the arms of a tree.
no matter...this is good poetry...of the heart...and more is wished.
John

Reviewed by Dawn Anderson

Reviewed on February 25, 2008

You brought back beautiful memories for me. I too had a tire swing growing up, and so did my children when we still lived in Connecticut. I now feel a sense of longing.

Reviewed by Joyce Bowling

Reviewed on November 11, 2006

I too had a tire swing, and actually have one now for my grandchildren. Very good write..enjoyed it.
Blessings,
Joyce Bowling

Reviewed by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado

Reviewed on February 11, 2005

takes me back to my halycon childhood days; we had a tire swing in the woods behind our place, and i just loved swinging on it! i'd swing for hours! wonderful nostalgic write; thanks so much for this memory jog! well done!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in tx., karen lynn. :D

Reviewed by Donna Quesinberry

david,

this is both well penned and wonderful to share

thanks,
d.