Going To The Farm When I Was Little

Years ago, when I was little
(today it seems so long ago)
my annual trip to grandpa’s farm
would set me all aglow

I’d always get a new straw hat
and a pair of leather work boots
because you know, life on the farm
is clearly no place for suits

Each day began with euphoria
getting to drive the old red tractor
and me being just twelve years old
was never ever a factor

Raising hogs and making hay
part of the daily routine
while bees made honey among the fields
of red clover, corn, and beans

Sometimes I’d spot a lazy lizard
beyond the barn down by the shed
he’d sit there in the sun for hours
don’t know how he got fed

I would imagine sea serpents
that were singing in the pond
but all I found were bull frogs
croaking out their song

Always treated as adult
and schooled in farming ways
shooting guns and driving trucks
as well as time for play

Taught to respect all people
no matter their station in life
gave sweetcorn to the poor
to help them ease their strife

Back at the house my grandma
would be frying up some dinner
no matter what I did that day
to her I was a winner

Her garden would have turmeric
to help keep away the bugs
the closets had a hint of potpourri
but mostly mothballs, ugh

A day trip to the State Fair
was usually on the docket
and I’d always return back home
with a penny souvenir in my pocket

I’d drink a Dr. Pepper
and sleep soundly through the night
dreaming about another day
that would be just as bright

The farm is now in disrepair
and only memories remain
but
when I was little
I was the king
of my little farm domain

——

Note: An earlier version of this poem was posted on 25 July 2020. The current version was posted on 24 June 2021 with additional stanzas, an altered form, and a new photograph. I took a trip to Missouri with my brother about two weeks ago to spread the ashes of our parents (see To Our Loving Parents). We drove those back country roads once again and saw the old farm for probably the last time. It was a sad yet enjoyable trip. We got to relive many fond memories, and my wife didn’t get bored, saying it was actually fun to watch.

Photo credit: “The Barn” by Patti Rowland, 12 June 2021. The only remaining structure on what was formerly my grandpa’s farm.

Linked to Linda Kruschke’s Paint Chip Poetry Challenge Prompt #30. This week we are writing about childhood, about When I Was Little. The words and phrases to consider are turmeric, lazy lizard, potpourri, penny, old leather boots, sea serpent, and euphoria. 

Linked to Reena’s Xploration Challenge #181 – Sacred Spaces.

Linked to dVerse Poets Pub: Open Link Night #295 — Midsummer Live, where Björn is hosting a Live Reading night before the summer break.