Mark Toney Poet Pastoral

Notes About The Poem

***
October 20, 2019
F T I series 3 pastoral
Brian Strand, sponsor

 

***
10/20/2019

Poetry form: Pastoral (in couplets)

True story.  All of it.  I was 15 years old when I stayed on my aunt and uncle's farm for a week. They have since passed away, but their memory and the memories of that amazing week will stay with me.

My Amazing Week On the Farm

My uncle's farm lay nestled in the central Wisconsin hills
A beautiful location sure to cure this city boy's ills
So imagine my delight when invited to stay a week
During summer vacation, this was certain to be unique!

As we approached the house appeared a lumbering St Bernard
Whose regal name was "Caesar" skilled in protecting the front yard
If Caesar didn't know you he'd send you running for your life
His master's safe word left me slathered in drool, sticky and white.

Near the back door the gray feral cat "Bluebell" kept me in awe
As I reached out to pet her she became a Langolier buzzsaw!
Shaken but not stirred, I entered the house without further fuss
In the kitchen barking like a dog was their pet pig named "Gus."

Gus was running around the kitchen chasing after beagle "Snoopy"
Snoopy (primary herd dog), Gus (Snoopy's primary groupie)
When Snoopy springs into action they just leave him on his own
They know Snoopy will not return until all of the cows come home.

The yummy supper was comprised of the finest, freshest food
Sitting there quite satisfied and not wanting to appear rude
Said "I need to use the bathroom, is there one on either floor?"
First came silence, then laughter, "You'll find it outside the back door!"

It was night, pitch-black dark, there was psycho Bluebell's ghastly howl
Plus hosts of other nocturnal beasties surely on the prowl
Turning on the flashlight I made a beeline for the latrine
The visual and odors did not make an inviting scene.

Just like other things in life, subsequent "breaks" were not as bad
The fun on the farm the rest of the week left me very glad
I received hands-on experience in churning fresh butter
I milked cows twice daily by manipulating their udders

I rode the wide hay wagon pulled by the bright green farm tractor
I dropped hay bales, my allergies were the limiting factor,
Ending up with severe hay fever after only two days
The city boy jokes I had to endure left me in a daze!

Fifty years later I fondly reminisce about that week
My week on the farm, of which I now hardly find time to speak
There's joy in working a farm seeing the beauty of the land,
And the satisfaction that comes from working with one's own hands!

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Andrea Dietrich July 1, 2026 at 12:21 PM Wow what an experience that was for you. I got a chuckle out of Bluebell Mark Toney July 1, 2026 at 1:09 PM Yes, Bluebell was a trip :-)

Alison A Smith nee Howarth July 1, 2026 at 5:57 AM Now in 2026 you have a new reader of this wondrous week. Mark Toney July 1, 2026 at 6:16 AM And for that I am thankful. :-)

Line Gauthier May 24, 2020 at 12:55 AM Well penned, Mark ~ a wonderful memory. Mark Toney October 8, 2022 at 6:10 AM Line, here’s another of your lovely, encouraging comments that I’m just seeing for the first time over 2 years later! Merci beaucoup !

Constance La France October 25, 2019 at 11:50 AM Mark, this is terrific, I was there with you on the farm. Love how you described the pets ! Mark Toney October 25, 2019 at 11:54 AM Thank you for the encouraging comment, Constance! I’m glad you liked it. ~Mark

Harry Horsman October 23, 2019 at 12:29 AM Amazing poetry, Having been raise on a farm, this brings back so many memories for me also. Thanks Mark Mark Toney October 23, 2019 at 10:33 AM I really appreciate your comment, Harry! ~Mark

Wendy Watson October 21, 2019 at 5:58 AM What a wonderful country tale, Mark. I enjoyed 'meeting' all the 'characters' from start to finish and it brought back memories of stays at my Nan's country cottage in Wales - also without an inside toilet! Mark Toney October 21, 2019 at 8:18 AM Thank you so much, Wendy, for your very thoughtful comment! ~Mark

Brian Strand October 21, 2019 at 3:30 AM Such memories shape our character Mark and never die.Thanks for sharing them with us. Mark Toney October 21, 2019 at 8:15 AM You're welcome, Brian. Yours is a very perceptive comment and so very true. ~Mark