Saturday, January 3, 2015

Johnny Pop and the Rough Draft.

Lately I've been working on a short story about a tractor my grandfather used to have. The story is more about the joy rides we took it on, but it's titled after the model of the tractor. This sounds a little ridiculous, but once the story is finished it will be a good read. Writing this thing has made me realize just how hard it is to write an actual story. 

I mean, it is really freaking hard to convey the image that is in my head just on this blog, let alone trying to make an actual memory into a story.  It's been pretty stressful because I'd like to do a whole series of memory stories. They're just so hard to write. 

I really want to post this story, so I've decided to give you my rough draft. And when I say rough draft I mean, rougher than a cob rough draft. I kept every one's names instead of changing them, and there are some parts missing in the middle. I just haven't figured out what to put in yet. Anyway enough chatter.

Here it goes, I hope you enjoy this memory as much I as do.




Robert climbed up that old John Deere. He was a farmer, with a great appreciation for old tractors. Not just because of their handiness in his trade, but for the growth of industrial machines over the years.

The machinery groaned and sputtered as it came to life. "I'm gonna take this ol' Johnny Pop for a spin, Mom." he hollered to his wife, Mabel. "Take Alex with you why don't you." she yelled, waving him on as he crept down the lane, tractor popping all the way.

About a quarter mile down the road Robert's granddaughter lived, and he often stopped  by to see if she would go for a ride with him. Pop, pop, pop. The tractor slowed to a stop in front of the granddaughter's house.

"Mama! Grandpa is here! I'll be back!" The glass door slamming behind her, Alex bolted across the yard and scrambled up onto the tractor. Without a word, they were off.

The knobby tires stirred up red dust as they chugged around the section. There were no words needed for the old man and the girl. They only had to enjoy the ride and the land surrounding them, taking in the beauty of Eastern Oklahoma in the early evening hours.



The sun began to set over the country side as the two made their way home. Robert dropped Alex off at the edge of her drive. She waved good bye as he puttered away.

"How was your ride Dad?" Mabel asked when he walked in the back door. he just smiled. He would always enjoy those evening drives with his granddaughter on that old Johnny Pop.

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