Farm Boy

I’m not supposed to see nothing else for me, 
than what has been handed down.
The family farm with the morning alarm,
near a derelict rundown town.
To be working there for the annual fair,
that comes ‘round once a year -
Curse what I’ve done in the years to come,
and why I never got out of here.
Farm boy - why don’t you kneel,
and rub your fingers through the ground.

Doesn’t make sense leaning on a fence,
and just watching the world go by,
when I have two feet to walk me off the street,
where I can start a new life,
chasing the dreams where I’ve never been,
after making that firm decision -
I have to steer myself away from here,
if I’m to reach my vision.
Farm boy - do you feel;
there’s a better world to be found.

What I want to be keeps hanging over me,
like clouds filling with depression.
I’m against the wall that would have to fall,
if I use my own discretion.
Trouble starts when I break the hearts,
of generations come before,
when I take the stand and walk off the land,
never working here no more.

Farm boy - you’re a mystery;
walking away from the dynasty,
turning your back on your family.
Farm boy - living in the city.

Farm boy - why don’t you kneel,
and rub your fingers through the ground.
Farm boy - or do you feel,
that there’s some better land to be found.
Farm boy.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Schneiter Avatar
January 13, 2020 at 9:06 PM
Hauntingly thought-provoking and touching. I relish every line. Thanks for sharing it, Lindsay. Hugs, Paul
Laurie Avatar
January 17, 2020 at 4:53 PM
Hello Paul … Thank you for your fine comment Paul - Lindsay
Mcconnell Avatar
December 21, 2019 at 10:39 AM
Nice one Lindsay, very well-penned as it brings back memories of growing up near a farm where my dad worked, great stuff!
Laurie Avatar
December 21, 2019 at 6:33 PM
Hello Gordon … thank you Gordon. Yes, I too have great memories of helping out on dairy farms, but it was my choice. Toiling day in and day out might have been a different story - thank you Gordon - Lindsay
Rose  Avatar
December 18, 2019 at 5:40 PM
Farm land can be a blessing if we want to be there and if it is fruitful, Nice poetry Thanks for sharing.
Laurie Avatar
December 21, 2019 at 6:29 PM
Hello Pixie … no matter what the conditions, dairy farmers at least must continue to find ways to keep producing. Farming is hard work, but when fruitful, can be enjoyable, but many of the young now have more choices in life that offer more revenue - thanks Pixie - Lindsay
Wolf Avatar
December 16, 2019 at 5:10 PM
Powerful penning, Lindsay… I made the decision to leave the farm when I was 28, all full of piss and vinegar, as the saying goes... Well, almost 42 years later, that 'farm's' still home to me in many ways that Chicago isn't. Funny how life turns out. Thank you so much for this great write. Season's Best, Gershon
Laurie Avatar
December 21, 2019 at 6:22 PM
Hello Gershon … I never lived on a farm, but helped milk cows, cart in hay, sorted stock etc. and believe me it was never easy. I loved the open spaces; being amongst nature; the quiet, and I too, have never forgotten it - thanks Gershon - Lindsay
Proxenos Avatar
December 15, 2019 at 11:09 PM
You have been left a dynasty Lindsay and are so fortunate to be out of any crazy city. Bless you all. Jennifer.
Laurie Avatar
December 21, 2019 at 6:17 PM
Hello Jennifer … unfortunately after many generations of farming, the young ones move away to colleges etc, but don't want to return. Farming can be hard when circumstances are difficult - catch you soon Jennifer - Lindsay
Theraven Avatar
December 15, 2019 at 3:58 PM
Lindsay, Very nice Lyric verse you've created, 'The family farm with the morning alarm, near a derelict rundown town.' I like the poem that reflects on the 'what might have been' in life. Bedford Falls or Pottersville? -Richard
Laurie Avatar
December 21, 2019 at 6:13 PM
Hello Quoth … down here in Qld; NSW, a long drought has businesses closing down and without stock feed, a feeling of hopelessness on the farms. Thank you Quoth - Lindsay
Leffanta Avatar
December 14, 2019 at 12:41 PM
A "Farm Boy" who finds success in the city is like finding hen's teeth; it only happens in the movies. Aloha! Rico
Laurie Avatar
December 21, 2019 at 6:10 PM
G'day Rico … it can be a kind of loneliness on a big farm, but it can be even lonelier in the city. Catch you soon Rico - Lindsay
Cunningham Avatar
December 14, 2019 at 4:02 AM
Sometimes we have to go further afield but the grass isn't always greener. Tom
Laurie Avatar
December 21, 2019 at 6:06 PM
Hello Tom … and for this reason, quite a few get delusional and return to the farm to put life back in perspective - thank you Tom - Lindsay
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