Farm Boy

He stood at the edge

Of a gold dawn

As the valley awoke

And the wind came on

To bend the corn

Along the road

And ruffle the rooster

Where he strode.

Then sudden commotion

Of squealing hogs,

Of bawling calves

And barking dogs

And a meadowlark

That hits high C

In coloratura melody.

Oh, what a morning,

Oh, what a day--

If only a boy

Had time to play!

(First published in Along the Lane: Dedicated to the memory of Thomas William Larsen, who lost his life in World War II)