A Beautiful Woman Came Down to the Sawmill One Friday Evening

Frank Stanford

Hello, I'm a teacher from the school.
Is there a man by the name of Drusky works here?

He'd be over on the saw, lady.

Thanks, I've got some bad news for him.

The woman came over my way.
The sawdust was blowing in her eyes.
I cut the saw off
Just when she was yelling.

Are you...

I'm Drusky.

I'm sorry to break this to you
But a child of yours was killed today.

Which one?

Your girl.

What happened?

The schoolbus hit a chicken truck

Was it quick for her?

I don't know Mr. Drusky,
But the others said there wasn't even a mark.

What about the others? They're all fine.
Your child was the only death.

Was it anybody's fault?

We don't know.

I never lost one before.

I'm sorry Mr. Drusky,
I have to be going now.

She walked away.
I seen a light on the hill.
Trouble is, there ain't nobody home.
I took off the safety glasses.

Hey, lady, I called.
I'm proud you didn't come down here
With a whole lot of goddamn fancy talk.

She kind of smiled
And must have told the boys,
Because they all come over
And took off their caps.

Boogen said I guess you won't make it
Up to the dance hall tonight.

No, tell them I wontt be there.
And do explain
It ain't that I don't feel like singing,
It's just some others
Will be wanting my voice this evening.

The boss said I didn't have to show Monday
And handed me a fifty dollar bill.

I told them all
Let me remind you trouble will find you,
Nobody can ride shotgun on your love.

I took to that lady.
I was proud she didn't come down here
With all that goddamn talk.

Ginny Stanford