Daddy is a Ford Man

[Saffron]

It was the summer of '76 when the Chevy broke down
It wouldn't start, turnover, or make any sound
Daddy checked the battery, the starter, pounded on the plugs
jiggled some wires, looked under the hood at the lugs

With a disgusted sigh, he said, I don't understand
but from this moment on I shall be a Ford man
My ice-cream was melting and my tummy rumbled
While he worked, under his breath he grumbled

To make a long story short, the car was towed
It cost big bucks. Daddy was stressed and it showed
He saved pennies and nickels and dimes for a year
The time finally came. Dad was full of good cheer

He walked in the dealership with a hand full of cash
said he wanted a two-tone-four-door with tinted glass
The salesman said Of course Sir. I totally understand
I can tell just by looking. You are a Ford man



Years later, after high school proms and salutations
Daddy was looking quite dapper at my college graduation
He was proud of me but stopped at the sight my Chevy van
Said I should know by now... he was a Ford man

[NewMan™]

We had a Buick skylark when I was growing up, gosh how I hated that car.. we also had a Chevy truck and that was fun, especially as I lived on a farm with gravel roads everywhere.. I don't think I've ever owned a Ford however I admire Henry Ford alot (except for his racist views) and today I drive a Honda accord (which runs great considering how I abuse it..). I've always wanted to own a Delorian but that may never happen..

cars are important to us, they hold so many memories. both good and bad. My first ever car was a Pontiac and I loved it, it took me from Kansas to Texas.

I really enjoyed your story my friend, I can imagine your daddys eyes when he saw that Chevy van..

Daniel

[polonius]

A sad story of betrayal. Obviously, a guilty memory that torments you, Penny. Perhaps this act of confession will enable you to achieve absolution, given that the poem is clearly penned with a profound and sincere contrition.

[Harklight]

This read is filled with human insight and humor ~ wonderful, Penny! I guess our dad's all have their car quirks. Mine almost had an apopleptic fit when he saw my first pride-n-joy: an imported sports car.
This week, when I commented on his new plastic fantastic, he glanced at my Holden (GM) with disdain and smugly said he'd grown out of them, into Fords, and has now modernised!! I'd still put money on mine, out-pacing his, over any distance.
Thanks for this wonderful story: wish I'd had a car to shock him with, at graduation. H x

[kellygreen]

Lady B~

This is one of my favorite of yours.
You have served up a personal slice of Americana
that warms the heart.

kelly

[Artemis]

Great write penny, fond memories and lots of lovely imagery. My dad had a Ford prefect hahaha that's going back some years ....

It had a smiley face. I think cars DO have faces. THe last one we had had two .

KK xx

[fairqueen]

Back when I grew up, there were "Ford" men and "Chevy" men. My dad was a Chevy man. And, (this is silly) because of that, when I grew up, I would never consider buying a Ford.

I loved this one, my dear friend. It brings back memories of my own childhood and a way of life that I look back on now with envy, almost. Thanks for the memories, Penny.

Love you
Janya