Remelda Gibson Tooele, Utah First Place Poetry Professional Division
Despite the disadvantages
of ups and downs and ills, the dauntless pioneers built towns
In Sanpete County‘s hills
(they also built the mills).
The farmers followed ox and plow to till the sage-brushed land.
The women sewed the cloth they spun
And scrubbed their clothes by hand
(the washboard shed the sand).
They churned the butter that was used upon the home-baked bread.
They cooked the meals on black stoves that
were constantly wood-fed
(the coals were flaming-red)
The water for the weekly bath
was boiler-heated hot. The tub was small for a grown-up, But, large for tiny-tot
(they learned to share a lot).
Accompanying a mother‘s role
In grievous, lengthened labor,
The birth of babes was accompanied
By midwife or neighbor.
(the pain cut like a saber).
Long-gone courageous pioneers,
Immortalized by men,
Through fearlessness and bravery
Are a boon now as then
(and future where and when).
They walked the plains and pulled handcarts
Or trekked a wagon‘s wake.
They blazed, endured, and conquered
For Sanpete County‘s sake!
(their chain will never break!)
