2019
(A Farmer’s Christmas Lament)
Sure am glad Christmas is hereBecause it’s been one hell of a yearWith global warming turned wet and cold,And early snow like in days of old.Half the corn is still out in the field,And don’t even ask about the yield,Nor the price per bushel of grainWith no China deal and all that pain:Count yourself lucky for half a crop,And be thankful for what you’ve got,Because there’s neighbors all around hereWho didn’t even get to plant this year.We’ve certainly had too much rainWhich has made a dyke of every farm lane,Flooding fields on either sideThat lap and tear at a farmer’s pride!And then, as if markets an’ nature weren’t enoughTo make the year rough and tough,Politicians keep spreading their fertilizerOn barren fields because they’re none the wiser!So nothing much else has been getting done,With only fleeting glimpses of summer sun,Except trying to keep those wet fields blackAnd the miserable weeds from coming back.Oh, I hear milk is up a bitBut you can’t see a cow from where I sitBecause every small dairy farm in our townHas folded, ceased, and already shut down.Yet, I’m still hopeful for more December coldTo finish the combining when the fields holdAnd earn some cash for next year’s seed,To top off the pile I didn’t need,And a few gifts under the Christmas treeFor everyone who’s been putting up with me,Cussin’ an’ fussin’ an’ bendin’ their ear,Because it’s been one hell of a year!
Merry Christmas!
©2019
James N. (Jim) Zitzelsberger