The farmer plowed his hope
into the grave
of rocky dirt
and defaulted loans.
Then swallowed red dust
along with his pride.
He never dreamed
years of growing crops
to feed the hungry
would have him
begging for food.
A Salvation Army meal
received with thanks and amen
quieted his rumbling stomach.
Tomorrow would be a sunrise
of tears and goodbye.
The family farm would be sold
on the courthouse steps.
Bent with his burden
he spoke his goodbye,
and went home to ask forgiveness
from the ghosts of five generations.
©Susie Clevenger
This was written for the challenge put forth on Real Toads
to write from the work of Levon Helm.. Sadly we have had to say goodbye to him and the American Farm.
Comments
A hard life indeed. Great writing.
My God, where is there any humanity and justice amongst those in authority in hard times?
As already mentioned by others, the last lines "..to ask forgiveness of the ghosts of five generations" is almost chilling. Trying to empathise with this situation, I am moved to feel a rock in the pit of my stomach. Such great closing lines for a very moving poem, Susie.