We had enough fuel oil for ten days, and got paid
every two weeks. “You pay cash,” the man
from the oil company had said, “up front.”
So for four days of every two weeks,
no heat.
The stove ran on gas, so we boiled
water in huge spaghetti pots and nailed
sheets of thick plastic across the livingroom door
so the warmth would find its way
upstairs.
It went on like this all winter, it seemed
to snow every Tuesday for weeks. We all had
colds and walked around the house in caps
and sweaters, sleeves stretched long to cover
our hands.
But when the oil truck would come
it always felt like Christmas.

Wow...I know I sound strange but I couldn't help but smile...this reminds me so much of my childhood. Thanks.
Posted by: Bonnie | April 23, 2011 at 12:40 PM