The Tombstone

It was simply an old rusty tractor
An eyesore for passers by
A graveyard, at the back, of a pasture
All covered with weeds and vines
Curiously, on slow approach, 
I wanted a closer look
Carefully climbed the barbed wire fence
Hopping over a weed wild brook
What once had been paint was flaked and gray
Oxidized and turning brown
Left to die, to bake in the sun
And weather back into the ground
Some of it's parts were stripped away
Others hanging by wires
The steering wheel and seat had strayed
Yet four worn out flattened tires
Days of use had long since passed
The weather had taken it's toll
A necessity which was built to last
Still standing and left alone
But to me it stood for something more
It stood for time and growth
Shiny and new a dream of yore
Some family's lives and hopes
How times have changed lives been sustained
The wind and dust have swirled
With growth of crops, growth of a country
The growth of a starving world
Though time had been unkind to it
Now a tombstone out in the clear
As I rubbed the rust from the relic's side
Engraved was the name John Deere


        An original poem by "poemdog" Daniel Turner
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Lillico  Avatar
March 5, 2023 at 8:25 AM
Symbolic, isn’t it! Beautiful!
Turner Avatar
March 5, 2023 at 8:28 AM
Thank you, Maggie:)
Milliner Avatar
February 2, 2016 at 8:14 AM
Nice!!
Turner Avatar
February 2, 2016 at 8:21 AM
I'm flattered. Thank you. Please come back anytime, I'll try to make you smile or think or both.
Lindley Avatar
January 30, 2016 at 10:29 PM
Elegant tribute to past times, farm life and John Deere tractors. Farm I was raised on had nothing but John Deere tractors. Great work horses they were! Great poem my friend. A7
Turner Avatar
January 30, 2016 at 10:37 PM
Thank you, Robert. I appreciate your kind words.
Rigoler Avatar
January 30, 2016 at 9:31 PM
You brought me back to my grandparents farm. I love all the detail and these three lines in particular: "Oxidized and turning brown / Left to die, to bake in the sun / And weather back into the ground. Many thanks for reading my work, Daniel. / M
Turner Avatar
January 30, 2016 at 9:33 PM
I will always read your work, Maurice. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment as I value your opinion.
Cronin Avatar
January 30, 2016 at 9:13 PM
You've amassed a fan base and it's not too hard to see why, exquisite as always! Those publishing dreams should be getting a little less scary with that kind of support!
Turner Avatar
January 30, 2016 at 9:27 PM
Thank you again my dear. Your words are refreshing and inspiring. People are going to start to talk.
Bickerstaffe Avatar
January 30, 2016 at 4:27 PM
You saw something which in your eyes was still standing proud... the descriptions of the tractor are richly expressive, revealing the everlasting name of John Deere and vividly real. Well done Daniel! Great writing!! Best wishes, Keith
Turner Avatar
January 30, 2016 at 4:45 PM
Your sharp insight and words of support and encouragement are a never ending inspiration. Thank you my friend. Until next time. I say adieu.
White Avatar
January 30, 2016 at 3:02 PM
I am quite familiar with John Deere. Beautiful write Daniel.
Turner Avatar
January 30, 2016 at 3:04 PM
Thank you, Kelli. I am flattered. Thanks for reading and the supporting comments.
Lane Avatar
January 30, 2016 at 2:36 PM
Your nostalgic poem brings the memory of my childhood days on our farm. I learned to drive on a tractor when I was 10... what fun days. Your rhyme scheme is perfect, Daniel!
Turner Avatar
January 30, 2016 at 2:45 PM
Thank you, Lin. coming from you, makes my cheeks turn red and my heart is smiling. I really appreciate the flowers.
Krenik Avatar
January 30, 2016 at 1:59 PM
Amazing! Loved it.
Turner Avatar
January 30, 2016 at 2:00 PM
Thank you Kaitlyn. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I appreciate your kind comments.
Turner Avatar
January 30, 2016 at 1:59 PM
Thank you, Joseph. I appreciate your taking the time to read and comment and especially for the 7.
May Avatar
January 30, 2016 at 1:53 PM
A well written story Daniel..enjoyed...a 7...
Turner Avatar
January 30, 2016 at 2:11 PM
Thank you, Joseph. I really appreciate the 7 and for you taking the time to read and comment
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