A Farmer's final tractor ride
On July 4th of this year, just as the first barrage of fireworks were shot off, my father in law lost his 27 year battle with cancer. Without a doubt, the hardest working man I have ever known. It was common for him to work 8, 10, or even 12 hour shifts and come home to work the farm, feed the cows or bale hay. His youngest brother carried his ashes on Dad's favorite tractor from the funeral home to his final resting place in the town cemetery. Godspeed and rest in peace Orrin.
I’m just a farmer, plain and simple.
Not of royal birth, but rather a worker of the earth.
I know not of riches, but rather of patches on my britches.
I’m just a farmer, plain and simple.
I know of drought and rain, of pleasure and pain.
I know the good, the bad, the happy and the sad.
I’m a man of emotions.
A man who loves this land and the beauty of its sand.
I’m just a farmer, plain and simple.
I know the spring’s fresh flow and autumn’s golden glow.
Of a new born calf’s hesitation and an eagle’s destination.
I’m just a farmer, plain and simple.
I know of tall pines and long waiting lines.
I know the warmth of campfires and the agony of flat tires.
I’m just a farmer, plain and simple.
I’m a man who loves his job.
And the life that I live.
I’m just a farmer, plain and simple.
And I’m a reaper of harvest.
I’m the sower of seeds and I’m the tender of stock.
I’m just a farmer, plain and simple.
I know of planting corn and bailing hay and animals going astray.
I live in a complex world, but my faith guides me.
I’m just a farmer, plain and simple.
I am a man who works with God.
I cannot succeed without his help.
For you see, I’m just a farmer, plain and simple.
"I’m Just a Farmer, Plain and Simple"
By Bobby Collier
