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Elk Horn, IA | I had the privilege to read this at my grandpas funeral. He is the reason I have a love and passion for agriculture and raising cattle. The poem was printed on his obituary and I have kept the copy I read off of from the funeral in my wallet for the last 7 years. Not exactly your typical AgTalk post but thought maybe someone out there would connect with the poem.
For this one farmer the worries are over, lie down and rest your head, Your time has been and struggles enough, put the tractor in the shed.
Years were not easy, many downright hard, but your faith in God transcended, Put away your tools and sleep in peace. The fences have all been mended.
You raised a fine family, worked the land well and always followed the Son, Hang up your shovel inside of the barn; your work here on earth is done.
A faith few possess led your journey through life, often a jagged and stony way, The sun is setting, the cattle are all bedded, and here now is the end of your day.
Your love of God’s soil has passed on to your kin; the stories flow like fine wine, Wash off your work boots in the puddle left by blessed rain one final time.
You always believed that the good Lord would provide and He always had somehow, Take off your gloves and put them down, no more sweat and worry for you now.
Your labor is done, your home now is heaven; no more must you wait, Your legacy lives on, your love of the land, and we will close the gate | |
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Close the Gate - Nancy Kraayenhof
