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Farmers’ trials transformed into verse

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Published: December 29, 2005

Gladys Smith, who has farmed with her husband near Moosomin, Sask., for more than 40 years, finds a lot to worry about in agriculture.

Here worries began with the onslaught of BSE and poor grain prices and a lack of markets have worsened the situation.

“It seems that everything sounds so good but costs so much and the farming this year, you just haven’t been able to cover the costs,” she said.

Some people do not understand the hardships farming entails, Smith added.

After the 2005 harvest, Gladys Smith wrote a poem to express her frustrations regarding the misconceptions about farm life.

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“It’s just one thing after another and I thought I may as well put down my thoughts on paper,” Smith said. “I just wanted to put the poem in so people would know it’s not all fun and games.”

A Farmer’s Voice

By Gladys Smith

You say we need large crying towels

to wipe away our tears

Because we’re never satisfied

no matter what the years.

Incompetents is what we’re called

Poor managers Ñ with jeers Ñ

There isn’t any reason for finances

in arrears.

I don’t believe you’ve had the

chance to put on my farm shoes

Come out and see there’s no

real need to cry and cry the blues.

Don’t fret about the odour now

your clothes won’t come to harm.

Enjoy the fun and frolic of

a day here on the farm.

The livestock is a pretty sight

knee deep in grass and weeds

They’re not aware of the work

they make by spreading many seeds.

A bushel of grain may buy for you

a half a loaf of bread

And six can go for dinner on

the sale of one young cow

I’ve read.

You can even have a glass of wine

To liven up the meal

An apple pie with whipping cream

Ñ that has such appeal!

These are some things you can

enjoy to make your life worthwhile

But not without the farmer if you

want to live in style.

We ride around in big machines

which eliminate the toil.

The only things we really need

are repairs and fuel and oil.

We rise and shine all rested up

no matter what the weather

And lots of info gleaned at coffee time

when farmers get together.

We really aren’t resentful tho’

As farmers never stop

They persevere and struggle

to harvest each and every crop.

They feed the population

the whole world around.

They know that man’s survival depends on

food raised from the ground.

So bring the towels if you wish

to wipe away the sweat

Of dedicated farmers who work

for you Ñ and yet

who take the losses if they come

and often don’t protest

About the grievous situation

tho they’re loaded down with debt.

If you insist on calling us

a belly-aching bunch

you try making ends meet without

a paycheque once a month

If you can’t see my point of view

when you are in a crunch

My dears I’m sorry but I’d say

you must be out to lunch.

About the author

Lindsay Jean

Saskatoon newsroom

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