It did me more good than harm,
To grow up on a farm

My parents believed the best credentials,
For me was to learn the essentials.

Around the clock there was work to be done,
In rain, snow, wind or sun.

We raised pigs, chickens, horses and milked many cows by hand,
We grew a variety of grains, corn and beets on the land.

There was plowing, raking reaping and much more,
And we often worked till our muscles were sore.

All week we did our very best
And looked forward to Sunday, the day to go to church, meet people and rest.

Wearing our Sunday dress really elevated our mood
And we always enjoyed my Mothers Sunday food,

When I was real young, I often wondered why
My Father wore on Sunday all day a suit and tie

But I soon learned that my Father and Mother,
Made sure Sunday was a day like no other.

Our farm received all sorts,
Of different awards.

For the best producing cows, and my brother was always able…
To get the award for the best looking stable.

Cleaning everything in Spring,
Was much more than a fling.

My parents had the final look
That the house and farm was cleaned and repaired in every nook.

We were taught early in life to care,
And to be wasteful we did not dare.

And for extra wants and luxury needs,
We were expected to do more work or pick more weeds.

We learned to be wise,
And that everything had a price.

But we were always lead,
In getting ahead.

And without pretension
To reach our potential without apprehension.

Till now this down to earth life on the farm
Has brought me more good then harm.