Fragile and Strong

The warmth of our springtime sun has caused the buds to break Tiny, fragile leaves abound in greeting Blossoms will soon burst forth color and fragrance will bless us What a time of freshness as the grays of winter fade and the prairie celebrates life again It was there, all the time but hidden [...]

Fragile and Strong2026-02-03T20:16:15+00:00

Falling Rain

Can be a downright gift raindrops falling on dry soil quenching a thirsty land replentishing an entire aquafer When drought reigns it's cause for celebration Can also be a plaster slapped up against the house windows lathered with running water maybe even a piece of leaf sticking to the glass and the gurgling of [...]

Falling Rain2026-02-03T20:16:44+00:00

Pleasantville

A gentle afternoon, I'd say: gentle breezes, nudging the trees branches like huge feathered fans nodding Oh so mild temperature, just right humanly speaking Even the sun seems at ease sharing the afternoon with us A screened porch, shade just right softness chairs made to rock a bit even a ceiling fan waving and [...]

Pleasantville2026-02-03T20:17:39+00:00

The Planter Sits

The planter sits in the cold dark shed last week it came out in the sunshine then, like Punxsutawney Phil went back into its hole to wait for a better day Thunder rolls across the prairie yet another rain I'm dreaming it sure would be nice to move this shower to July when the [...]

The Planter Sits2026-02-03T20:17:58+00:00

White Grass

The earth's blanket wears different coats Most famous I think is green Poets, singers, laud the richness of lush grass, growing and feeding animals Summer's harsh sun and lack of moisture or winter's cold can turn the green to tan An earth tone is suspect A little coat of snow can grace the grass [...]

White Grass2026-02-03T20:26:35+00:00

Palmer House Morning

Early morning quiet as I walk a long hallway Murmuring sifts from some doors as I pad softly past The farmers have come to town two thousand to stew their policy, ideas, and surface direction for another year Couples long together are working their get up routines teams, pulling together raising families, crops and [...]

Palmer House Morning2026-02-03T20:27:25+00:00

Chicago, Yesterday and Today

A Frenchman made his way into a great unknown land, and more land, lakes and rivers and native peoples Westward on he went discovering a land full of wonders A great lake and great lakes like huge inland seas fresh water, fish here would be a place where people could live and well Time [...]

Chicago, Yesterday and Today2026-02-03T20:27:52+00:00

After

The room stands quiet returned to its former state all the things carried in are carried out, gone The people those who stood in front those who played their music and those who filed in claiming chairs for a moment have gone to their cars and motored away Quiet reigns In their hearts words [...]

After2026-02-03T20:28:25+00:00

Done…

We've done about all we can do: We chose the seeds most carefully from ten thousand possibilities put the soil, under microscopes and tested for its health amended it, for maximum yield We nestled the seeds into warmth and moisture watched them sprout, grow to fine young plants Watched for bugs, disease, and mindfully [...]

Done…2026-02-03T20:28:55+00:00

Relief!

Days of hundred degrees weeks with little to no rain but the crops are hanging on! Drummer Flannagan doin their thing black blanket tucked under green crops holding tight to subsoil moisture So when the crops should look like the unwatered yards in town still, they're growin green! Soaking up the sun converting elements [...]

Relief!2026-02-03T20:29:16+00:00