WATERMELON SEED WARS
http://morguefile.com
I stumbled over the words slowly and tumbled into the days of summers long gone by. The poem is about summertime and watermelons by John Tobias that my friend Lynn sent me, knowing it would speak to my heart. It did and then some, it would hurl me back in time to the magical days of summer that live forever in our minds.
There are many different callings and missions in life, but we had only one mission in those less complicated days; to have fun. One way to ensure good times for all was to serve up the red, velvety, nectar from God; ice cold watermelon… What kid didn’t enjoy watermelon like it was manna with honey from heaven?
Funny how heat didn’t seem to have much of an impact on the folks that couldn’t hide from it like we can now. Summers in Arizona without air conditioning, at least part of our childhood, didn’t seem to mean much of anything when we had our faces buried in watermelon like a hungry dog does a freshly filled dog bowl.
After the bellies began to fill up with our heavenly delight the melon eating slowed and the contests would begin. Who could spit their seed the farthest? Bobby, the second to oldest, always came out on top in that department. Then it was for accuracy, none of us could agree on a winner or wouldn’t admit to it. Of course, the contests always turned into a watermelon spittin’ shoot out, no sides, every man and one sister for themselves.
As kids, the magical days that stayed light well past eight seemed to last forever and like every other red-blooded kid, we grew to believe they would. Saying goodbye to summer was like saying goodbye to your best friend ever… and indeed we were saying goodbye to someone even closer than that…
We said farewell to the kid that would begrudgingly get his haircut and be taller in the reflection of the mirror by the time the next summer rolled around. The days would grow shorter and cooler. The watermelons and the games played, including the multiple seeds spit in succession to emulate a machine gun, would become a memory as time marched on. It wasn’t stopping for any of us dragging our feet in defiance.
A little more innocence would be taken from us in the course of time that stretched across a school year… We never really grasped that there wouldn’t come another summer exactly like the last or the same chance to overindulge in the sweet taste and feel of the sweet melon as we savored the taste of freedom in summer.
Finally, one summer day rolled around and the magic was gone… the innocence lost… They even figured out how to grow watermelons with almost no seeds… Never thought that would happen…
I’m not at my best in the grocery store – kinda like a duck outta water you might say, but every so often the stars align and I wander through the aisles out of necessity. Halfway through summer, and my wife out of town, I spotted the green giants of the produce section and tapped on seven or eight with my index and middle fingers. Now, this city raised country boy can pick a melon… not to mention I got a deal to boot.
My wife laughed when she got home and was cutting up my hand picked melon, “Didn’t you read the sign? – This has seeds!”
“Didn’t even think of it,” I answered with sincerity.
I ate more than my than my fair share standing at the kitchen sink spittin’ seeds with pinpoint accuracy… smiling that bittersweet half grin, remembering the watermelon seed wars and the days we believed would last forever. I reflected on the magic of those days that although gone now live forever inside of us… and how the innocence passes with another season along with the turning of the leaves.
Saturday, October 19, 2013 @ 5:36 pm
I do remember when summer – especially the start of summer – stretched out like a promise across the sky; the smell of fresh-mown grass, the sounds of cannonballed bodies hitting the water in the reservoir, the clickety-click of the playing card (or the baseball card, or the football card) clothespinned to the fender strut on the stingray bike…and yes, watermelon days.
Good post, my friend 🙂
Sunday, October 20, 2013 @ 8:39 am
Oh yeah! I momentarily forgot about the cards clothespinned to slap the spokes to make noise as if we really had a gas powered engine. We ruined more decks of cards that way… “Playing solitaire till dawn with a deck of fifty one…” That card and the sissy bar stretching up to the heavens fulfilled the desires of a simpler mind in a simpler time… Thanks, Rick.
Saturday, October 19, 2013 @ 5:41 pm
Watermelon is perhaps my favorite fruit. I can just imagine you and your siblings having your seed fight. It made me smile. Those are days gone by, but remembered as we think back on our innocent days. We become street wise, and our eyes are opened to the magic apple that Eve took a bite of. Sin has touched all of us at one point or the other, but In Christ we regain our innocence as he views us. We become again as children. By the way, thanks for saving this one for “Tell Me a Story.” http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/
Sunday, October 20, 2013 @ 8:41 am
“We become again as children.” Great Word, Hazel. Only in His redemption can we find that peace and joy that we had as a child, even with the loss of innocence we have what can’t be purchased. Thanks for cool site and letting me share it over there!
Saturday, October 19, 2013 @ 6:00 pm
This is wonderfully written, Floyd. I recommend submitting it to Reminisce or Good Old Days magazines. They print this type of memories all the time.
Sunday, October 20, 2013 @ 8:43 am
Thanks, Pam. I’ve never heard of them, but I’ll check them out. If nothing else, I like to read these type of memories as well. We all have more in common than we realize I think.
Saturday, October 19, 2013 @ 6:32 pm
One of the things we miss here in Alaska is the sweet Indiana watermelon and tomatoes. Ah. Blessed days of childhood.
Sunday, October 20, 2013 @ 8:44 am
But you can still taste them can’t you? It’s amazing how powerful the mind is. It should be good to be a kid. My heart breaks for the kids who don’t get to be kids the way we did… Thanks, Voni.
Saturday, October 19, 2013 @ 7:07 pm
Great post, Floyd. I agree with Pam – submit it to Reminesce or Good Old Days. I remember seed spitting contests too, only if I remember right, we were spitting them at each other!
Sunday, October 20, 2013 @ 8:46 am
Oh yeah, that was the best part! Of course someone would always get yelled at when pieces of the melon and the juice would come along with the seeds! No wonder we learned to run so fast! Great memories… What a blessing we have. Thanks, Barb. I’ll check out those magazines.
Saturday, October 19, 2013 @ 7:37 pm
Hey Floyd,
I can’t believe it! I got in, after so many days unable to read your post. And just in time for the watermelon post! Yay! I”m so glad you love Tobias’s poem as much as I and that it has inspired you to write this wonderful post. You might even direct your readers to his poem. It’s one of the best I’ve ever read, and I use it as a writing prompt in journaling classes. I love how you captured the innocence of your youth here, and how you took a stroll back through time with that walk down the grocery isle, and a contemporary seed-spittin’ experience. I’m glad it made both you and Diane smile!
I hope my internet connection here continues to work. I’ve missed reading your great posts!
Fondly.
Lynn
Sunday, October 20, 2013 @ 8:49 am
Thanks for sharing Tobias’ poem with me, Lynn. I was going to add the title, but I was trying to keep the word count down. “Reflections on a Gift of Watermelon Pickle Received from a Friend Called Felicity.” The title makes made me smile before I ever got to the content! I’ll see if I can find it and add a link in another comment. Thanks again, Lynn. It’s great to hear from you.
Sunday, October 20, 2013 @ 9:25 am
I added a link to the poem you sent me at the bottom of the post. Good call!
Sunday, October 20, 2013 @ 9:33 am
Yes, *exactly*! Even the title is felicitous and makes us smile! I’m so glad you included the link, because I believe your readers will love this poem! (How’s that for being a bossy friend! 🙂 Also, were you actually to include an entire poem, attributed, as part of a blogpost, it’s my understanding from my mentor (and who knows this stuff!), that you can, but if you say it is for educational purposes. But the way you have done it is perfect>
Fondly
Lynn
Sunday, October 20, 2013 @ 3:01 pm
I should have consulted with you before I posted it! I appreciate your help and support, Lynn. Good call on that poem. Can’t believe I hadn’t ever heard or read it before you sent it over, but then I spent a few decades under a rock!
Sunday, October 20, 2013 @ 3:07 pm
A rock? Oh, like you are a cave man, huh?! 🙂 I first discovered the poem in a book of poetry by the same title. As I’d told you personally, it has some wonderful poems in it, even though it’s generally geared towards children.
Monday, October 21, 2013 @ 4:16 pm
I often find that the stuff geared toward kids are simple in their genius…
Sunday, October 20, 2013 @ 12:24 am
Great story Floyd! I really thought you and Diane should have had that seed spitting war, its never to late to act on that inner child again! I have some great memories while eatting watermelon too. Growing up in Minnesota, my mom actually grew watermelons in her garden and we would be waiting for the day we could go pick one and eat it. It seemed forever for the watermelon to grow, “is it ready yet?” And when it was finally picked my sister and I would each get a slice and go down to the dock to eat it. We would kick off our shoes and sit on the edge of the dock with our feet in the water but the best part was spitting the seeds into the water and watching it slowly sink to the bottom and watching a little sunfish come out from under the dock, suck up the seed and then spit it out. We would laugh and laugh. Poor little fish thought it might be food!
Thanks for bringing back some great memories so clear in my mind I can invision it like it was yesterday. It will live forever in my mind.
Would love to read the poem by John Tobias, please share.
Sunday, October 20, 2013 @ 8:52 am
Great memories! We grew a few, but the dogs would usually ruin them before they ever got ripe enough to eat. It is a blessing to have those treasures inside of us that are worth more than can be calculated by a number. I’ll see if I can find that poem that Lynn sent me. Thanks, Gail!
Sunday, October 20, 2013 @ 9:25 am
Hi, Gail. I added a link to that poem at the bottom of the article. Enjoy.
Sunday, October 20, 2013 @ 8:49 am
Dear Floyd
We didn’t have spitting competitions as children with the watermelon seeds, we chased one another, rubbing the other with the insides of the skins until we were as sticky as toffees! And then we would all jump in the swimming pool to get clean and start all over again after our second piece of watermelon. Those were such carefree fun and good memories.
Blessings XX
Mia
Sunday, October 20, 2013 @ 8:56 am
Good one! That just jarred another memory lose of my big brother wearing half the watermelon on his head after he’d eaten the inside of it… Kids. May we recapture some of that joy we had as kids. Although the innocence is gone, the Redemption is even sweeter than a melon ever could be… Thanks for sharing that story, Mia.
Sunday, October 20, 2013 @ 12:26 pm
Now I’m crazing watermelon:)
I remember growing up and having watermelon seed battles with friends. Those are some great memories. Thank you for allowing me to remember those great times.
Sunday, October 20, 2013 @ 2:56 pm
Funny how the little things end up meaning so much to us, isn’t it? We’re all so much more alike than we’re sometimes comfortable with. Thanks, Dan.
Sunday, October 20, 2013 @ 1:21 pm
A really great post, Floyd. Very skillful to use the bittersweet metaphor of the watermelon to represent the inevitable march of time. As you say, no amount of foot-dragging can halt it. I loved the image of you standing over the kitchen sink, spitting seeds, lost in the past. It’s poignant, melancholy and cinematic. I also appreciate the prompt to reflect on my own past and remember those Missouri summer’s where I played at the same rituals. Thank you for that.
Sunday, October 20, 2013 @ 2:58 pm
The endless days of summer have a special place in all of our hearts. I’ll bet you may have even grinned thinking about those days. Glad I could send you back in time, my friend. And thanks for the kind words. Means a lot coming from you, Keith. Thanks, man.
Sunday, October 20, 2013 @ 7:01 pm
Even though I was a girl my spitting skills was right up there with the boys. The salvia started to flow as I read your description of eating watermelon. Will have to on purpose buy one with seeds and challenge our grandchildren to a seed spitting contest. Good juicy post brother.
Monday, October 21, 2013 @ 10:20 am
You gotta be the best grandmother ever!!! That would have been the best to get have done that with a grandparent! Life is short, might as well let the kid in us run wild every now and then… then savor the food and the memories that stand the test of time. Thanks, Betty. And thanks for the smile.
Sunday, October 20, 2013 @ 10:10 pm
It is interesting how the different seasons touch the lives of us in different ways. There is definitely something magical about summer, but I would bet in 30 years,if my son had a blog, he would be writing about pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed spitting contests and fresh pumpkin pie and hot pumpkin soup. My kids love autumn and all things pumpkin just like your love for summer and watermelon. It’s the memories that matter; they are what we have to hold on to of our youth as it slowly fades away over the years. I can only pray that my intentional investments today will matter in 30 years when my kids reflect back on their childhood. Blessings to you!
Monday, October 21, 2013 @ 10:22 am
You’re absolutely right, Rachael. It is the memories, the food provision supplies by God is just the vehicle to drive those memories into our hearts and live forever. Good job, mom. I know your son will honor you and his heavenly Father all the days of his life. Thanks, Rachael.
Monday, October 21, 2013 @ 2:44 am
I like watermelon at its coldest. When I was younger I was always afraid I would swallow a seed and a watermelon would grow in my stomach. 🙂 These days I prefer seedless. I prefer to eat than sort out seeds.
Monday, October 21, 2013 @ 7:30 am
You know what I like about seeded watermelons? You eat slower and enjoy more!
Monday, October 21, 2013 @ 10:27 am
I think you have something there. As a kid I’d try to carve out all the seeds to one side so I could eat in big chunks… says a lot about my shortcomings!
Monday, October 21, 2013 @ 10:23 am
I’m with you, Bill… but then like you, I only have daughters… I’ll bet the day is coming for you and your grandson to have a watermelon war! My money is on him! Thanks, Bill.
Monday, October 21, 2013 @ 7:29 am
Floyd, you need to come to Ukraine, we don’t have seedless watermelons there yet! That was another observation my kids made yesterday at church. First they saw watermelon on the table and said, “How can they have watermelon, it’s out of season”. “This is the land where watermelon never goes out of season” I explained. Next thing they noticed was the absence of the seeds!
Monday, October 21, 2013 @ 10:26 am
No seeds, no watermelon war! We take so for granted all that we have. In hindsight it becomes clear that we have more than we need and the best things are the times with loved ones making memories… I know your family is doing that now while spending time back in the states. Thanks, Caleb.
Monday, October 21, 2013 @ 7:49 am
Sounds sacrilegious, but I’ve never cared for watermelon much. I can identify with the feelings of summer and growing up, but love of watermelon? Not really. 🙂 I can definitely smile at the thought of your enjoyment! Thanks Floyd.
Monday, October 21, 2013 @ 10:29 am
Well how about that it is good for you! As a kid we didn’t care much about the healthy aspect, but as an adult I appreciate the things that come straight from the earth without being processed more and more. So I know you and your brothers had to have some kind of food wars… I’ll guess I’ll learn what it was in time… Or I might just ask Phillip!
Monday, October 21, 2013 @ 8:22 am
My dad used to grow watermelons and it was always fun to sit out in the backyard in the afternoons and eat a fresh one. I never grew adept at spitting the seeds like you though, so don’t challenge me to a contest. 😉
Monday, October 21, 2013 @ 10:31 am
No I wouldn’t… I’ve learned that it’s possible for someone like you to throw the whole melon at me!!! Just kidding. Money can’t buy the beautiful memories we have, huh, Lisa? Good for you. Glad you shared that. Thanks.
Monday, October 21, 2013 @ 10:53 am
Odds are I wouldn’t throw the whole thing at you. But you never know. ha. We best just skip this competition.
Monday, October 21, 2013 @ 3:56 pm
Yeah, I’m never good with odds… They always seem to work against me!
Monday, October 21, 2013 @ 9:19 am
Floyd, I do believe I could read your writing all of the time. I get lost in the stories you share and am a bit sad when I come to the end of your posts. Have you considered writing a Christian fiction series? I’m sure you would be right up there with Wayne Thomas Batson.
I remember the days of the watermelon wars and have made sure my children were able to take part of that kind of fun. Just so you know, I was always the loser when it came to the spitting contest. 🙂
Blessings
Monday, October 21, 2013 @ 10:36 am
Well don’t feel bad. Being the youngest usually ended me on the short end of the stick, or seed, too! What a great tradition to pass on and memories to make, those are the true treasures in this life.
I’ve never heard of Batson, I’ll have to check him out. I have actually written a fiction manuscript that I’ve planned to be able to turn into a series and I’m in the process of trying to land an agent now… That’s a world all unto itself! I appreciate your kind words and encouragement. Thanks, sister.
Monday, October 21, 2013 @ 1:18 pm
I guess it is the youngest syndrome for lacking the ability to spit further than the older and stronger siblings. 🙂
Nice!! I sure do hope you get your book published, I would just love to read it and I am pretty confident to say that it probably is one of those books that you just can’t put down until the last page has been read.
Monday, October 21, 2013 @ 4:08 pm
I’m certain that the age in which I was born has had a big role and effect on my entire life… and not all for the good! Thanks, I’ve had a pretty good response, even from some agents that don’t think they have the connections to get it published. It’s based on the life of the Roman soldier at the foot of the cross and it’s fairly violent, although it’s really a love story about a hero who has a change of heart one heart beat too late. I really do appreciate the encouragement. Thank you.
Monday, October 21, 2013 @ 1:18 pm
Great story and post for the season. I come from tropical weather i am still adjusting to the different weather patterns..summer is my one and only favorite! 🙂 What a great lesson – things do not remain the same, no matter how much we want them to. I’ll try remember that as the coldest season draws nigh and I need to find some good in it, even as i remember the warmer days : )
Monday, October 21, 2013 @ 3:59 pm
I love summers, even in Arizona. That being said, there is something magical and reflective about the Fall. The first smell of a fireplace burning in the distance against the brisk cooling air takes me back to a different season and fond memories of a different season. Each one is a gift from our Father. I need to remind myself to treat each one as the gift they are. Thanks, Ngina.
Monday, October 21, 2013 @ 1:49 pm
Technology may make our lives “easier” but at what cost? Hard work builds character.
I look back on my life and am glad I wasn’t born with all the latest technology. I remember type writers and having to get up and change the TV station if you didn’t like it- no such thing as remotes.
Remember how we used to look books up in the library? No such thing as internet or computer data bases to help find a book.
Monday, October 21, 2013 @ 4:10 pm
I’m with you, TC. There is something even more profound than we grasp in the adage, “less is more.” Instant gratification is one that can’t be quenched and is never fulfilled. Good call, TC.
Monday, October 21, 2013 @ 7:16 pm
The song “Watermelon Man” just came to mind.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013 @ 10:13 am
I never would have guessed you for Herbie fan? You are diverse, my friend!
Monday, October 21, 2013 @ 11:41 pm
Ahhh, the innocence of those summers long past, though honestly, I was rarely “innocent”. But that’s part of the beauty of being a kid, the freedom to be impetuous, often with little consequence but maybe a stern talking from dad, or if it was really bad, maybe being grounded for a couple of days. Of course, those of us prone to impetuousness who had both parents working only had grounding really enforced in the evenings and on the weekend when mom and dad were home, but I wouldn’t know anything about that. 😉
Watermelons, strawberry picking (complete with strawberry wars), softball games that kind of just evolved at the school playground, hide and seek at dusk, family picnics, sleeping out on the front porch … thanks for sending me back, Floyd.
Now as adults, we need to be grateful for our Father’s long-suffering with our continued impetuousness … but I wouldn’t know anything about that … 🙂
Tuesday, October 22, 2013 @ 10:15 am
I like that. You have to do a post with that title, “But I wouldn’t know anything about that…” That’s genius, David! The freedom that opened to the growing eyes and minds of youth stirs plenty of memories. Looking forward to hearing more about yours. Thanks, David.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013 @ 8:15 am
Enjoyed the post. It brought back memories of summers playing ball with my cousins and having no cares in the world. I didn’t have the watermelon spitting contests because I am not that crazy about watermelon. I treasure those memories and now I am making memories with my family. Thanks Floyd for your poetic words of inspiration and reflection. You have such an incredible gift.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013 @ 10:18 am
Those golden memories that know one can steal from us are some of the greatest treasures and gifts from God that we can get. Seeing the memories being laid down with our own families is yet more of those gifts. Thanks for the kind words, brother. And thanks for always using your gift of encouragement, here and over at your homesite. Thank you, Bernard.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013 @ 11:18 am
HELLO, my friend. I sincerely apologize for not checking your website. I have been taking a class at my church and learning an awful lot. Aren’t memories wonderful? I have one special memory of my dad, one day we were at a mobility store and there was wheelchair that I absolutely fell in love with; candy apple red. He got it for me for Christmas. I don’t remember how old was at that time. My mom later told me that he kept going to that store to see whether the price was right. I hope you and your family are doing well. everyone is well here. I have a picture I would love to share with you. A friend of minewhen the oportunity arises. Later!
Tuesday, October 29, 2013 @ 5:57 pm
It’s so good to hear from you, Brenda! My family’s good, hope all is well with you guys too, bet Brian is more than a handful by now! Thanks for checking in, I’d love to see that picture! Thanks, Brenda.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013 @ 11:21 am
I meant to give me a call when the oppotunity arises. A friend sent a picture of her dog Molly. Sorry for the misunderstanding at the end of my comment. I am typing fast because I only have so much time on the computer. Later!
Tuesday, October 29, 2013 @ 5:58 pm
At least you can type fast!
Thursday, October 31, 2013 @ 10:29 am
Brian is doing wonderful! He is funny and entertaining. How can I get you that picture? Take care!
Thursday, October 31, 2013 @ 10:31 am
Brian is doing wonderful; very funny and very entertaining. How do I get that picture to you? Take care!
Thursday, October 31, 2013 @ 3:11 pm
Are you working out these days? If so where?
Thursday, November 7, 2013 @ 7:10 pm
Made me laugh!~ I couldn’t help but wonder if Adam and Eve got a big jolt when they came to the realization that they were no longer “innocent” I wonder if there might have been a hint of longing for things to return to the way it had been.
Friday, November 8, 2013 @ 10:34 am
I think that the angel stood guard to not let them back into the Garden is proof that they longed for what the forfeited freely… That’s the story of all of us since then… Innocence was lost and the price was our lives… You have a way of making me think! Thanks, Nancy.