Power of the Land
Last time I was home I borrowed your boots and took a stroll
Past the spring down to the river where I watched the waters roll
Then it was back up the hill, across the field and past the stock
I savoured all the sights and sounds and smells while on my walk…
And remembering now it’s funny how I feel
It’s like this my other life just isn’t real
And the smell of manure could bring me back
To that old familiar beaten track
Where I’d go to get the cows
How I wish I were there now.
I swore when I left, I’d never be a farmer’s wife
I saw how hard you worked Mom and I didn’t want that life
It was up early milking cows, up late keeping supper warm
With Dad out in the fields it was like you’d both married the farm
And remembering now it’s funny how I feel
It’s like this my other life just isn’t real
And I remember the times to be had
On the tractor next to Dad
Pulling the old plow
How I wish I were there now.
I think now’s the time, I can’t believe that I’ve lived to see this day
Where I’d toss out all my paperwork just to go and pile hay
And I don’t know how it happened, I think I’ve come to understand
Just what you always told me about the power of the land…
~ Susan Picard
Susan Picard is youngest child of a northern Alberta farm family. She left home at 17 to pursue her dreams… a path that had her exploring different career possibilities: social worker, crisis counsellor, professional musician and teacher. At present she spends her time taking care of her family and utilizing her musical talents in creating unique community building events.
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