I gave her three daysI often call our farm my mistress and I worked for three days, cutting weeds, mowing weeds, pulling weeds... You get the idea. There wasn't much time for anything besides replacing a pump that was broken after spending a couple hours trying to repair.
the mistress of the hills
she asks for more than I can give
a jealous spirit she calls to me.
The more I spend with her
the more she demands of me
she shows me the skies of her wrath
if my attention turns away.
But she calms me tonight
after another long hot day
her subtle kisses on my wet brow
sooths me under the cottonwoods.
The sweat I gave her
soaks the earth below me
her thirst is insatiable
and the pump has lost its prime.
As the winds of the west
greet the peace of the setting sun
may I give her what she asks
in return to rest in the shaded path.
It's the nature of things on a farm.
Posted at Poets and Storytellers United: Writers' Pantry # 27: We're Halfway There!
I love this view of the farm as mistress/spirit! The beautifully written poem works so well from either that perspective or the literal as explained in your note.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rosemary. I think sometimes you can read those hidden words I leave out. I appreciate your kind words.
Deletethis poem was a sensual one. and great poetic skills Joel.
ReplyDeleteShe can be a cruel mistress at times. Thank you, Humblekind. Your words are too kind.
Delete"her thirst is insatiable and the pump has lost its prime" could there be a better line? Don't think so.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Helen. I'll hang on to those kind words. They are much appreciated.
Delete(Background - I pump water into containers to haul to the corn. I used an old pitcher pump for two days so I understand about "losing the prime.")
The farm as a mistress...love that. I grew up in Missouri farm country. I learned my appreciation for mother earth early.
ReplyDeleteThank you Susie for your kind words. There is something about the land that stays with you.
DeleteLove this especially; "her subtle kisses on my wet brow
ReplyDeletesoothes me under the cottonwoods." Gorgeously rendered!💝
Thank you, Sanaa. I'm glad you liked that line.
Delete