Dad was a dirt farmer
Dad was a dirt farmer, why am I not?
Straight was his favorite, more than a word
Planted crop rows must be aligned, no bends
Fences too had to be straight, post by post
And down the hill, bends would show, neighbors know
Do them over was his word, end up straight
Weeds to be cut, no spraying, kids 're home
Hoes were the tool, with them we walked the rows
Miss a weed he'd be on your tail, go back
All was that way on his farm. And the cows?
They had better line up straight in their rows
The horses too, just the pigs were sloppy
Dad wanted to be a lawyer, the best
Grandpa said no, I need help on the farm
So I became the lawyer, Dad's straight kind
Photos and Poem Copyright, © 2014 Jimmiehov, All Rights Reserved
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Though most of my poems are fiction with seemingly real events, this one is real and is a tribute to my dad who died in 2007. He was a good farmer, I would not have been. (link)
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I'm linked today with Margaret at the Real Toads, Play it Again Challenge.
Margaret wants us to go back to one of three older challenges, I chose "Challenge #2: "Dirt Farmer" Imagined by Marian - HERE." In this challenge Marian wants us to write a response writing to the Band's 1980's (??) song, with Levon Helm, the drummer, singing "Poor old Dirt Farmer.
Listen to it below:
…so you were the lawyer. Loved the use of "straight" - it shows he must have been very orderly, honest, hard working. I'm off to see the link.
ReplyDeleteWow. The last stanza is powerful. It gave me chills. You painted a very clear picture of your experiences.
ReplyDeleteThe expectations of fathers - not always met by their sons.. And farm is a commitment for generations.. Still operating a farm with the carefulness of a lawyer is probably a good thing.
ReplyDeleteStraight was his favorite, more than a word... This line says it all, doesn't it? I'm sure there is a lot of him in you, Jim, even if you did not become a farmer.
ReplyDeletestyle is the man and 'straight' was his style and the legacy continues...
ReplyDeleteA lovely tribute to your dad the farmer ~ Not everyone can be a farmer as it takes a lot of hard work ~ Enjoyed the pictures too ~
ReplyDeleteDirt farmer was my choice too.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you lived your father's dream. I think I am living my parents dream, too.
Poetry written from personal experience thrills me! Love this Jim!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great tribute, and through children parents live their dreams..........
ReplyDeleteThe Child makes the Father's dream come true... Living poetry--the best.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad when parent expect to choose their children's path in life for them... Sometimes bends in the road lead to exciting discoveries.
ReplyDeletethe salt of the earth
ReplyDelete"So I became the lawyer, Dad's straight kind." Cool write, Jim. I can see him sending you back to get that missed weed!!!!!
ReplyDeletesuch a lovely, nostalgic...almost playful poem.
ReplyDeletethis is my first time visiting your blog...so nice to meet you! :)
stacy lynn mar
http://warningthestars.blogspot.com/
A beautiful tribute to your father...my dad grew up as a dirt farmer, but lived his adult life working on cars
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the poem......so serene.....and a good tribute...
ReplyDeletea good tribute, Jim ~
ReplyDeleteLove this, Jim. Levon Helm's birthday was yesterday!
ReplyDeleteYou're a lawyer?