VILLAGE FIRESIDES

 VILLAGE FIRESIDES by Harry Bissoon 

It was a simple joy to behold! The flickering flames that created a welcome glow in the blackness of night, long before dawn. Villagers were up from restful slumber, making haste, hustling in a bustle of sounds and, rushing to make meals for working husbands, and even ladies who had to be wage earners. I was always up, long before the sun rose,  to render meaningful assistance to my mother as she readied my father's food which he had to take to work in the backlands(backdam) of the sugar plantation. 


Wives, children and grandparents, heroes of the early morning darkness, challenged the hours before dawn, in the faint glow of hand lamps.


The  village firesides, out in the yard, or, attached to indoor kitchens, added an amazing harmony of lights which could be seen by all. The village was awake and well, and labor and work triumphed! The day was ahead and enterprise played well for all who took the challenge!

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