The Farmer

I saw that picture on the wall
Of sheep which grazed when grass was tall;
“I took that pix” – I left unsaid,
Returned my gaze, his visage read.

Like me, he'd colon-cancer – worse –
And chemo-zapping to reverse
Its spread was needed up ahead,
Or else the fellow could be dead.

We chatted – “Could I help you out?
I'm not too smart, a bit too stout,
But maybe I could buy you time –
I'll help with yours, you help with mine.

“I'll come back here this weekend, then,
And see what's needed this to bend
Back like a branch that's in the way;
Enough to start our thoughts, today.”

Besides, time works its magic best
When slacked, not tight – give things a rest;
I cannot think best in a rush,
Encourager needs best to hush.

What's good for gander and the goose,
Should each exchange, as each we loose
From shackled present traps, and foes,
As forward each to future goes.

Grass mowed, some chores, some cleaning time,
Quite simple really – his not mine –
Keep options up, no strings attached,
For helping you – what could be matched?

Ah yes! My novels – info time –
Six months – a chance to info mine;
How farming works, how do things grow
When seeds are planted? – then I'd know

Not all things – just enough to say
My piece, and sketch it out some way –
A detail here, an anecdote
Of cattle, chickens, dogs, or goat.

A place where I could mess around;
Plant garden in a turned-up ground;
Raise up some critters – one or two –
Gain some return – and know – like you.

And let me see how it could be
If some young-person just like me
Could use the good earth – Mishom’s Axe
To leverage his sweat and back.

That's how folks settled on this land,
Then slowly came to understand,
Before tech-time, and chemical –
With sweat and things mechanical.

That takes me back to Sandy's days –
Schumacher’s words sent shining rays;
Gave hope amidst the hopeless there,
Where Ivan's shop relieved despair.

Of course, I've problems with machines;
A danger there, know what that means;
And shape needs building up to fit,
If I'm to do my part of it.

To edit books through all this time,
See details in a life not mine –
Learn best my way – tease out through act
What works, what is not fiction – fact.

So something on that line, I'd say,
Could be for both of us a way –
Agree to walk this road as one,
That “Majesty” by both be sung.

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