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: August 16th, 2024 00:56
- Comment from author about the poem: It was so good to see horses pulling ploughs over the land.
- Category: Reflection
- Views: 20
- Users favorite of this poem: Cassie58, Teddy.15, Accidental Poet, sorenbarrett
Offline)
Comments7
A fine write Gold.
Visiting any Horticultural Shows soon?
Thanks Orchi. No I missed them this year.
Andy
They seem to be just starting in our area.
I have such similar vague recollections .. only recently (last year) went to the world ploughing competition held nearby .. you can't beat it ..
Thank you Neville. Great to hear you went to that competition and enjoyed it.
Andy
This poem is lovely. It took me back to Thomas Hardy days. Reminded me of Far From the Madding Crowd. a favourite of mine. When the land was worked by horses, and everyone played their part in getting the harvest in. You gave me fine visuals and your choice of music is ace. Thank you Andy. Have a super Friday.
So glad in brought back such fond memories Cassie, thank you.
Andy
Such a magnificent piece dear Andy. Wonderful stanza's full of imagery this could teach anyone about passion too. 🌹
Most kind Teddy, thank you so very much.
Andy
Sweet times past, I'm afraid. Great evocation, Andy.
PS: Get any manure for your roses?
Thank you Dave, so true.
I could have got some a couple of weeks ago when the horses lead the Battle of Evesham trooping. LOL.
Andy
Sounds like very classy poo......
Now if horses could only put pen to paper. 🌹
If only AP, if only......
Andy
I remember those days too and they were so much quieter, more neighborly, slower if a bit harder physically and there seemed to be greater peace close by. A lovely write Andy filling me with nostalgia.
Thank you soren, so glad my words brought back such fond memories.
Andy
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