Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Old Time Plowing Machine



                                                    He plowed in early spring
                                                    when fields were new and green
                                                    the smell of fresh turned sod
                                                    that old time plowing machine

                                                    In the middle of the summer
                                                    with the sweat dripping down
                                                    between each close knit row
                                                    big hoofprints hit the ground

                                                    Harvest time was busy
                                                    with pride he did feel
                                                    the bounty of his labors
                                                    that came from each big field

                                                    When the cold north wind blew
                                                     came a much deserved rest
                                                     that old mule sure worked hard
                                                     a plowing machine at its best

                                                    Susie Swanson

           

15 comments:

  1. I love this! I so love reading your writing. It just transports me in time where every you are telling the story. Thank you for such beautiful writing that I so love to read.
    Blessings

    ReplyDelete
  2. My Uncle Romey and Aunt Gracie had a farm and he plowed the fields with his horses. It was hard work back then.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you Bethe, glad you enjoyed it. I think sometimes that I live in the past. I try to escape to another time and then I'm thrown back again. It intrigues me so much..

    Thank you Janet, it sure was hard. My dad and brothers plowed with a mule. They'd be so tired at end of day. It was a hard life back then but lots more simpler and fulfilling..

    ReplyDelete
  4. Susie, this was wonderful! People took pride in the everyday chores back then.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Susie, This really brought back memories. The first house my husband and I lived in was a mule farm and we would unearth many mule shoes!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your poem reminds of "Ol' Jack," the mule that my wife talks about her father having when she was a kid.

    ReplyDelete
  7. It was a long way around fields, back and forth, day after day, to make crops. My daddy was a farmer so I know how much work goes into plowing. I remember when he would finish for a day and turn the mules loose, how they would run and run, freeing their tired muscles.

    Thanks for the memories!

    ReplyDelete
  8. @Maple Lane, I've heard of several mule shoes that have been found around here. Wish I could find some..Thanks for stopping by.

    George, I bet Ole Jack plowed many fields..thanks.

    lil red hen, I remember them running like that. I guess after a hard days work it felt really good to lossen up. I'd say your dad was like mine , to tired to run...lol..

    ReplyDelete
  9. The poem brings out the picture of good old days so well. People working hard, plowing in the fields, waiting for harvest, enjoying the fruit of labour - perfect and wishing it is. So love your writing Susie!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you so much Monika, That touches my heart coming from an awesome writer like you.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Susie, I hope you are keeping warm up there in there in the mountains! Is it still snowing? I can't believe it is time for snow already. It is still in the 60's and 70's here during the day and about 40 at night. I love this wonderful poem! I especially enjoyed the line about the horse's hoof hitting the ground. It felt so real! Our neighbors have horses next door and it is amazing to me when they take off running around the barn. The power in their hoof beats as they run is an awe inspiring thing to hear. I can just imagine the big horse in your poem, pulling the plow and the power in his muscles. How strong the farmer must have been also to guide the plow straight row after row. I saw some of those old plows on display when I went to the fair last weekend. I have so much respect for the old time farmers and their hardworking way of life. It is so inspiring. Your poem really captures that feeling. Have a lovely evening ahead Susie and thank you again for all of your kind comments on my blog. It always makes me so happy when I see your name and the red rose! Delisa :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Such memories this brings! My grandfather plowed with two mules long after most farmers used tractors. Especially with his hat, that photograph looks very much like Grandpa. I can still hear him shouting, "Gee" or "Haw" as he plowed.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you Delisa for the beautiful comments, no we haven't got snow yet but it's turning colder now. We've had another beautiful, warm week up until today. I would love to see those old plows, I wrote a poem about one, just haven't posted it yet. I always enjoy your comments and it brings a smile to me also..

    Thank you too, NCmountainwoman. That's the way my dad did. He would plow all day in the fields and then come in so tired. That old mule was tired too. Thanks for the visit and come again..

    ReplyDelete
  14. A lovely poem, Susie. You have a great way of capturing moments in time in your poetry. :)

    ReplyDelete