That Harrowed Pasture.

As dad and I trod over the newly tilled fields
Feeling warmed by the prospect of the day’s work
His eyes aglow within those granite features
I followed his sight to that field beyond as yet unsown

He called it virgin soil or heavens harrowed field
So long ago as I stood in awe of the man and his earth
So clearly I recall the rich scent of tilled broken ground
How the green corn melted with the sky horizons away

His powerful leathered hands how gentle they were
That chiseled brow that could see into tomorrow
He told me the one thing to always remember
A man is only as good as the work he puts into the world

Then that mythical man from my childhood, my dad
Pulled me up into the saddle and whooped at the horse
We headed back to the barn to finish the day’s toiling
Now all these years later I understand his gift of that night

As I stand with my son on the old harrowed pastures…
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

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A  Avatar
May 28, 2016 at 11:57 AM
Charles, a moving write, well penned. Enjoyed reading your thoughts and words today. *SKAT*
Makama Avatar
June 4, 2015 at 10:37 AM
What a marvelous read from a blessed paged built on lines constructed with the lyrics of the skies and words well supported by dynamic foamy clouds. Message well expressed! No doubt an absolute 7##.
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
May 26, 2009 at 8:52 PM
Charles, This poem is lovely. I have read several of your poems this night. You are a wonderful writier. Some of them left me speechless. Each was full of depth and emotion as is this one. This one presenting joy, I could speak about. The others just hurt too much for some reason. God bless you. Lovingly, Dane
Goff Avatar
April 27, 2009 at 11:32 AM
my Dad showed me things that become clear now almost 3-yrs. after his passing...great poem!! Charles! I too will pray for your daughter...I have 2.
Shango Avatar
March 15, 2009 at 5:02 AM
Darn, what a deeply urgent evocation of everyhting that is poetry, sweetly the words flush praise. I am new and just reading all that I was missing before. Love it here on soup.
Bulger Avatar
January 17, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Congratulations on your featured write. This piece is very well written and conveys deep thought and nice expression. Nice one Charles... :) Lucinda
Golden Avatar
January 11, 2009 at 8:19 PM
Another poem that touches deeply...and creates such a vivid picture. So beautifully done, Charles. ;o) Donna G.
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
January 3, 2009 at 7:38 PM
This was one of your best. Just stopped by and was wondering how your daughter was doing. I know how precious mine is to me and I feel deeply for you. I keep her in my prayers. God Bless. Vince
Richards Avatar
December 29, 2008 at 12:11 PM
I am sorry to be so late in finding this poem. It is wonderful, such a lovely recollection of your dad, and closeness with his land, and now with your son....this is so touching, it moved me. I have been praying for your daughter (after reading your blog) and hope we will hear good news from you soon. God Bless. ~ Love, Carrie
Bulger Avatar
December 21, 2008 at 9:28 PM
Oh my, this was so good. I truly loved the imagery here and I just wanted to keep reading. You'd be great with novel material I believe. Wishing you the best, kindest regards this Christmas to you, Lucinda
Jordan Avatar
December 18, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Charles I wanted to jump back here and wish you and yours a Merry Christmas, MJ
Bickerstaffe Avatar
December 17, 2008 at 11:08 PM
Excellent phrasing and imagery... the meaning of a job well done from generation to generation. Well done indeed! Best wishes, Keith
Mason Avatar
December 16, 2008 at 4:35 PM
Beautiful write here, Charles and I'm sure you know the "Form" is either Bio or Free Verse and you just forgot to include it ... anyway, I do hope that you have a warm, wonderful holiday and that '09 is a great year for you!!
 Avatar
November 8, 2008 at 8:25 AM
Wonderful testamony to the importance of family. The imagery makes the story come alive. This is an awesome poem!!! Thank you for sharing it. Karen
Reynolds Avatar
November 5, 2008 at 3:10 AM
A wonderful recollection, full circle is awesome, isn't it? love Kristin
Jordan Avatar
November 4, 2008 at 9:14 PM
Charles this poem is such a touching heartfelt poem/tribute to your father - The last line says it all - In the third stanza second line did you mean "See" instead of "Seem" - The story to this poem was great Charles - God Bless, Michael
Gorelick Avatar
November 4, 2008 at 9:42 AM
OH, thats so beautiful. Sounds like you had a great childhood. I love the last line. BG
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