There it goes, the great grey beast;
Belching out smoke and noise.
Where is the peace that was there?
When I did the work.
This mobile combustion engine
That seems to have taken over the world.
Using oil that will vanish soon,
Eaten by these mechanical beasts of burden.
These fine summer days where I laze
In a grass covered field, with my partner.
We just amble around, at peace,
The occasional passer by stroking us, with fondness.
I dream of days passed, where my mate and I
Would be called by the farmer to go to work.
Those days where we were harnessed
To that plough, that tilled the soil
Those days of peace and quiet, broken only
By the quiet call from the farmer “Walk on”.
We plodded sedately, pulling this machine
Quietly and with absolute ease.
The occasional sound of stones hitting stones
As the earth was turned over;
The sounds of birds in the distance,
Added to the stillness and peace.
The re-assuring screaming of gulls and crows,
Pecking at the ground behind us;
Looking for sustaining morsels of food
To feed themselves, or their families
All day we would pull in a reverie
Enjoyed by all.
We were at peace with everyone;
No cares in our silent, carefree, world
When day was done the call of “Whoa” was heard.
The farmer would release us from our task’
Pet us fondly and lead us home.
A job well done, with no hardship.
The day then came when we were eclipsed
By the great grey beast!
Let it get on with it then!
I can look back at those green fields with the pride
Of a job well done over many years.
And a rest truly earned.
-
Author:
Goldfinch60 (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: May 7th, 2024 00:53
- Comment from author about the poem: Those were the days.
- Category: Reflection
- Views: 19
Offline)
Comments8
it is indeed an honour to be the first to leave my mark here Andy .. and for what its worth, I can not praise todays poem by you enough .. Took me right back to those halcyon days when steam was king and them majestic beasts the Shire Horses were queen .. Neville
So very kind Neville, I am humbled by your comments.
Yes those times of the Shire Horses were so wonderful.
Thank you.
Andy
Brilliant!! Such a metaphor here Andy. I feel that I have seen this happen having lived for a while where the ploughing was done by oxen and there being no noise of even cars around. I feel that technology in general is the great grey beast that has put us all out to pasture. Great images in this piece as well. Loved it.
Very much appreciated soren, they were wonderful times back then.
Andy
A fine write Gold.
Erm, how long ago were these days. I forget. 5 million years ago for us? lol.
Thank you Orchi.
Nostalgia fills the word-canvass. Enjoyed. Neva mind it probably weren't true - just let's enjoy it for once...
Cheers, Andy.
Yes let that joy be with us in that nostalgia of our lives DAve.
Andy
Technology is the great grey beast moving us towards who knows what.
Great write.
Much appreciated John. thank you.
Andy
Although we can't stand in the way of progress, that rear view mirror is always there with a smile should you need one. 😊👍Great write Andy.
Very true AP, that smile for days passed is always there for us. Thank you for your words.
Andy
A special piece, Andy. Really captured something there.
Most kind Tom, thank you.
Andy
yes indeed those were the days.An enjoyable read.
They certainly were David, thank you.
Andy
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