SHOO-FLY PIE

Larry took me to Amish country.


We rode in a buggy

past farms that were picture-perfect

with chickens in the dooryards

and overalls hanging on clotheslines


and he bought me an Amish doll

that had a white cap

and a long black dress

black stockings

and clunky black shoes.


For lunch we each had a piece of shoo-fly pie

then we walked around

him quiet

me jabbering


up and down rutted dirt lanes

where I saw wildflowers

pink purple blue yellow

and two jackrabbits.


We ate supper at a family restaurant

where a whole bunch of us sat at a long wooden table

and Amish ladies bustled in and out of the kitchen

with great pots of soup

and pans of bread.



It was a magical day.

I felt free of all my money worries

like I could lift right up off the ground

like a butterfly

and soar into the sky!



On the way home

in his car

we talked a little bit.


I found out that he couldn't have children

because of an operation he had as a newborn

and of course that didn't matter a bit to me.


In fact, it made him more attractive!


When he quit talking

I sang along with the radio

"On a day like today

we pass the time away

writing love letters in the sand...."


and

"You send me

honest you do, honest you do...."



That night I put my doll beside my pink lamp

on the dresser

got into my nightie

knelt down by my cot

and asked the Lord to let me know what He thought

of my continuing to see Larry.


"Because",

I explained to Him

"he's such a nice guy

and kind

and I wouldn't have to bother about babies

and diapers



but it bothers me that he barely talks

and never sings."




Music Playing: You Send Me
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©2001


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This story is a continuation of Diary of a Preacher's Daughter.
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