Man of the Land

One suspects a matagouri temperament
Upon first glimpsing that weathered face.
Wrinkles extending like braided rivers
Life of tussles and toils, to demonstrate.

No stranger to heat or an icy shiver
Indeed he thrives on the wide-open space.
For living on the land he has chosen
Family provision his precious mandate.

Green land he’s seen, as it alters to brown
Faced the irony in dense drifts of white snow.
Worked in hot sun, until chilled from deep sweat
His path's always straight, head never down.

Famine next fortune, then dancing with debt
Passion persists, despite varying blows.
Quitting is failure akin to inept
No envy endures of those living in town.

Spells spent alone doesn’t mean solitude
For companions thrive for those that will see.
Colourful hebes, or when a kea flies by
Land always varies, indeed a joy to be viewed.

No clock to watch while there’s light in the sky
Family time not a whim of the breeze.
Other company not sought but never denied
For life on the land is fulfilment accrued.

2nd April 2016

Copyright © | Year Posted 2016



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Date: 4/3/2016 12:23:00 PM
a fine portrait of the very manly man of the land. My grandpa was one of those people!
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Mark Woods
Date: 4/3/2016 8:47:00 PM
He must have been quite a fella, they have such defining characteristics and have enduring personalities.
Date: 4/2/2016 8:49:00 PM
What a pleasure to read this deep and thought provoking poem my friend. No clock but the SUN--BEEN THERE SWEATING ON THE FARM MYSELF. Now I look back and see my anger at what seemed to be slavery in the soil was actually a great part of what made me--a good part it was! A7 Adding to my fav list.. Thanks
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Mark Woods
Date: 4/3/2016 8:46:00 PM
Cheers Robert, I'm flattered. The moment I get away into the wide open spaces I'm so re-vitalised. This poem is a tribute to the many people I have met that work the land their resilient character, autonomy and their persistance.
Date: 4/2/2016 5:19:00 PM
I agree, we are surrounded by woods, out there, where the air is fresh, it is a whole nother world. Good write Mark
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Mark Woods
Date: 4/3/2016 8:43:00 PM
Thank you Casarah. I'm having week away with my daughter who is a rowing competition at the moment. Luckily Within 20 minutes from where we are staying I am literally in the middle of nowhere. It is so refreshing.
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