Alone it stands all ready to go
Bright red still in places, with anxious treads
Huge steering wheel still wanting a turn
Headlights are on with reflected sunshine
The diesel engine silent, a beggar for ignition
Surely all that is needed is a driver
But the farmer yet sits idle under the shade of a big oak
In his case it is not clear what will start him
No key, no wheels, no foot to the floor and
Certainly no diesel running this day will stir him on
For he is weighted down with a decision to make:
To sell or not to sell the farm
It’s not only the acreage at stake
His Dad, and his Dad before him tilled this land
The sweat from their hands watered the crops and milked the cows
His neighbours have already sold out to developers
Their overall pockets full
Why should he not furrow in line with the others?
They will never again have to worry about reaping what they sow.
Never bear drought, inundations nor insect infestations.
He loved the tractor even at rest
Its gentle purring engine before the roar
Soft fecund music to his ear
As was the laughter of his young children
Bouncing in the wagon behind
As was the sharp smell of diesel
So many memories raced through his mind
But a life with big money would be so kind
His wife’s weathered visage, spoke the tough years gone by
How could he deny her this chance, he thought with a sigh;
Then he saw her crossing the dew-laden lawn.
She stoically mounted the tractor with ease and made it purr
The decision was really hers they both knew
She smiled to her man and asked
“Don’t you have some ploughing to do?”

08/15/2012

Posted on 08/15/2012
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