Robert L. Hinshaw Poet Rhyme

Who's Gonna Tend the Farm

Doctors told the old farmer his soul was soon to be his Makers!
"Spare me, Lord", he pled, "I must farm these hundred-forty acres!
My wife ain't able to hoe or mow or handle the old John Deere!
The place will go to hell (er, 'scuse me, Lord), that is what I fear!"

"The threshin' crew is comin' next week to reap the wheat and oats.
Grain prices will plunge, the radio man says in his daily quotes.
The barn needs paintin' and the roof needs repairin' too.
All this and the mortgage on the old place is way overdue!"

"In the garden there's taters, termaters and carrots to weed.
It's hay makin' time and I fear the alfalfa will go to seed.
Them thievin' birds and squirrels will rob me of my apple crop.
I ain't a drinkin' man, Lord, but right now I could use a drop!"

"The punkins is ripe for pickin' and the corn's ready for shuckin'.
The cattle stalls is heaped full and they really need a muckin'.
My chicken coops need fixin' and a real good cleanin' out.
Lord, I'm in a heap of trouble, of that there ain't no doubt!"

"There's twenty guernseys to milk, who's gonna take care of that?
There's them hogs to fatten up to sell and I want 'em good and fat.
The sheep needs shearin' and a dozen goats need milkin' too.
Lord, have mercy!  I just ain't ready yet to rendezvous with You!"

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved

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Voahanitriniaina Rabary-Andriamanday September 27, 2012 at 2:52 PM I really like ALL your poems; it will take time to comment each of them; but we'll take the time, sir. With your permission, I'll try to improve my English with your rich texts. Great work, indeed ! Congratulations! from Hanitra . :)

Debbie Duncan September 3, 2012 at 5:39 PM I liked it ;} have a great day Bob ;}

Lucilla Carrillo August 14, 2012 at 9:13 PM I was feeling down today, so I decided to read one of your poems. I really enjoyed this one. A lot of my family lived in the country, but I grew up in the city. I still learned to do farm work. Have a good night. Lucilla

Elizabeth Wesley July 18, 2012 at 8:57 AM This guy needs more than mercy to help him out; perhaps a half dozen sons would cure the problem. You always manage to give great humor in your words Bob!

Robert A. Dufresne July 16, 2012 at 6:49 PM once again Bob ..you got the lingo down and the chores too as a matter of fact, Shoot I thought I was down on the old airy farm again. Actually started smellin them special smells while reading. hehe heh. A great ond Bob. Keep on keepin on. You are a natural. Hey Bob ...gimme a minute and then muck out your soup mail stall....

Laurel Larison July 16, 2012 at 3:45 PM Wonderful poem. I know that we all feel that we have so much left to do before we go... but the Lord calls us home ! bravo! laurel

Kaye Locke July 15, 2012 at 4:16 AM Hehee... I always know that your poems will cheer me up! Love the use of dialect, it's so hard to get right, but you've managed it with aplomb. I feel like I know the old' fella!

Robert Pettit July 12, 2012 at 2:40 PM Reads like a bucolic version of "This Ole House". Once again Sarge, you have written a beauty.

Carrie Richards July 11, 2012 at 7:27 PM I never cease to be delighted in your story telling, Robert! You are one of the finest on the soup....and once again, you make me smile with the country lingo of the old farmer that "just might" be a neighbor down the road from me!!! (We live in farm country!) :) What a fun poem!

Keith Bickerstaffe July 11, 2012 at 2:05 PM Brilliant, simply BRILLIANT! What you do with 14-17 syllable lines is truly amazin'! (when I am messin' around with just 5-8. Well done, Bob!! Best wishes, Keith

Carol Sunshine Brown July 11, 2012 at 12:03 PM It was such a pleasure to read your poetry today Bob. I hope to be able in the next few weeks to find the time and energy to read and comment. May you walk through the garden of inspiration and continue to write and share your poetry with us. Love, Carol

Vicky Tsiluma July 11, 2012 at 5:41 AM What! That farmer has surely made a great case for himself! Nice arguments! Wonderful rhyme Bob!

Toquyen Harrell July 10, 2012 at 6:29 PM LOL, that is just too funny, Bob. I didn't know there are so many things to do on the farm. I like the last part "ain't ready to rendezvous". Awesome write!! I enjoyed it. Love ya, Toquyen

Ilene Bauer July 10, 2012 at 5:47 PM this is a classic Hinshaw gem! i loved every line, especially the one with taters in it. thanks very much for the much-appreciated chuckle and also for your wonderful rhyming comment to me which included my name - i'm honored!

Poet Destroyer A July 10, 2012 at 4:16 PM Bib H., awee... I hope the Lord allows him to tend the farm many more years to come... rickety doctors getting the old poor farmer down. I guess in everyone's last moments we realize what else needs to be done before we go go go... Great 1 thank you for the entertainment..love pd Poet Destroyer A July 10, 2012 at 4:17 PM Sorry for the typo in your name. ... please forgive me...

Russell Sivey July 10, 2012 at 3:27 PM Oh, Bob, your sure do know how to make someone laugh! This write is full of great humor! Thank you for giving me a smile today, I sure did need it! Awesome Work!!