Coming there always feels like home
summers spent along with the boys
pigs and cows kept, gravel roads roamed
better than any store bought toys.

Working hard from dawn to sun's setting
bonding with brothers all day long
sweat on my brow was worry's letting
it felt like nothing was ever wrong.

Standing in the back of a truck
shoveling mountains of soybeans
simple accomplishments, not feeling stuck
what life in the city never seemed.

Coming in and getting cleaned up
my Aunt cooking, third time today
arms behind our heads propping them up
as we listened to the Cardinals play.

My Uncle stretched out in his reclining chair
his jokes putting a smile on my face
farm tan, strong hands, and a caring stare
the country life, my saving grace.

I think back on autumn beginning
my parents arriving to gather me
back to the riverside seemed my world ending
another year's wait for what I'd really needed.

Thank You for seasons of nurturing
like the crops you helped me to grow
visiting now again ever cultivating
my heart song more than you'll ever know.