Resolve

...for R.S. Thomas Working the earth, wary of worsening weather, besting storms and sowing though there'll be scarce yield. Steely-eyed, with shoulders bent to stony ground, God's approbation his redemption, lonely supplicant to nature's unforgiving wield. Fingers bleeding from his labours, back down low and aching, he toils incessant 'neath the curlew's plaintive cry to cultivate his land. Smirking when the sun shines, and cursing at the rain's cruel jest he struggles with a valiant will, undaunted, he will take his stand.