The Hearts Of The Heartland

For the Cowboy Up contest

 

Within every state across the nation

Is the backbone of America…

They are the heartlands,

All to often unappreciated

Yet vital to keeping citizens fed.

For it is where so much

Of our resources and nutrients

Are produced to keep us happy and strong.

These heartlands so beautiful by nature

But so harsh to the men and women

Working hard to keep it alive and thriving.

Even more unappreciated then the

Crops and livestock they tend to.

Without fail from sunrise to sunset

They work it to the bone

Not thinking of the costs or sacrifice,

Just doing what they know.

The blood and sweat that drips

From beneath those ten gallon hats

Is a show of pride in producing for a country

That often forgets they exist. 

Reviews

[Jamie S.]

Bravo Dale!!! This piece speaks to my heart. My grandfather was a farmer and I currently take care of a gentlmen who farmed 30 years ago when it was much harder. We should all appreciate them and when we see thier tractors on the roads instead of getting frustrated with them for being in the way just wave and smile. Have you seen the new show on called The Last American Cowboy? Definatly a must see! Thank you for sharing :)

[Sseoni]

Great poem! It was a very moving piece and I really liked it! :D

[Ladysue]

Yes, you expressed this very well. I the ending two lines say it all. magnificent and thought-provoking write...

[Jenny Nelson]

Nice write! Farms, ranches... tough livelihood and getting tougher. And as you so well pointed out, not much appreciation, just demand. Very well done and thought out.

[Wicahpi]

Amen to that!
This year is going to be another tough
one with an extra long winter and then
all this rain! I see them farming all night long
for days in a row; round the clock.
And calving in the dead of winter in the middle
of the night! Yikes!! burrrrrr
It's a hard life and I'm thinking most take that
for granted. Thank you for a thought provoking
entry into the Cowboy Up contest!!