Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ILLINOIS FARMER by BEULAH JACKSON CHARMLEY

First Line: BETWEEN THE FRAGRANT ROWS OF CORN HE STRIDES
Last Line: OUR NATIVE LABOR, THERE AMONG THE MAIZE!
Subject(s): FERTILITY;
Between the fragrant rows of corn he strides,
The cultivator handles steadily,
Pulling upon his arms; and as he guides
His willing mare, a homely melody

Is rendered by the lines that saw
Across his denim-covered shoulders, gnaw
Of tugs on whippletree, and caw

Of scouting crows. The earth is young that slides
Beneath his cowhide shoes -- fertility
That promises to fill the maw

Of granary and crib, come husking days.
Robust, assured, how fitly he portrays
Our native labor, there among the maize!



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