And another that our founder DKO sent to me when my Dad passed away. It was read at his service and it was very moving for everyone there.

An Old Farmer's Soliloquy

Too much in love with earth am I To ever want to walk the sky To view my path with stars bestrewn, Or touch the dark side of the moon. I care too much for patterned field, Autumn hills, and this farm's yield To want to break that ancient crust, Or hold a hand of diamond dust.

I think it strange that I can see The edge of my own galaxy, That milky band, yet be aware Of years of light from here to there. Ah, no, too vast to comprehend Those universes without end.

Let younger men explore. For me I'll take content against this tree To watch pale Cygnus swim the sky With trailing wing and garnet eye, And mark behind my maple trees The shivering amber Pleiades.

Now, still, I lean against this tree. They'll wonder what became of me And send the boys. It's time to go. The wheat is down, it's good to know, And soon the corn will heap the bin Before the first snow blankets in.

This farm of mine I've tended well, And love it more than I can tell. My sons will speak, when I am dead, With harvests, all I left unsaid.

--adapted from a poem by M. Neighbour