Hoosier Farmer

Like his fathers before him, he was a tiller of the soil. He loved the old farmstead that was built with sweat and toil. He farmed with Clydesdale horse and cantankerous mules, A sickle bladed mower, sulky plows and other John Deere tools. He rose before the sun was up to milk his Jersey cows, To feed the fowl, his cattle and the Poland China sows. This was a way of life for him, never taking any vacations. He cherished the farming life despite its many frustrations. Tho' he'd seen unprofitable years, floods, hail and drought, With indomitable courage, he chose to press on and see it out. He knew the successful fruition of crops was a roll of the dice, But he steadfastly labored on taking his chances at any price. His fields of corn, wheat and oats were a beauty to behold. He prayed he'd get top price when his various crops were sold. At harvest, his mows were overflowing, his bins flush with grain. Come next Spring he and his horses would begin the cycle again. In overalls and an old straw hat, he toiled 'neath the Hoosier sun, Laboring from dawn to dusk - it seemed his work was never done. He clad his little son in overalls and assigned him simple chores, Saying, "Work hard my boy - someday this will all be yours!" Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)