It’s flat for farming and the trees
Are tall and silent like the corn.
Farmers left a few of these.
In the sunlight both are worn.
Shadows show what dominates
On these plains with open skies.
The urban far off concentrates
Dreams but here the roots are wise.
Text: Linked to dVerse Poetics. Mish hosts. She’s featuring the photography of Sharon Knight.
Photo: Sharon Knight took the featured photo. She titled it “for b.”. Other photos by her can be seen at SunEarthSky — Meditations from the Midwest.
Poetry, Short Prose and Walking 
Oh I love the wise roots
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It is nice to be rooted. Thank you, Bjorn!
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This is terrific work, Frank. The words look effortlessly put together, as if they could not have come any other way. Great.
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I am glad you liked this, Ronnie. It took multiple drafts.
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I love your prairie poem, Frank. The open skies must be akin to our Norfolk skies – our landscape is also flat. My favourite lines:
‘In the sunlight both are worn.
Shadows show what dominates
On these plains with open skies’.
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Flat rural areas should be similar except for some cultural differences. Thanks, Kim!
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I like the way you’ve structured this poem, with the run ons to keep the rhythm without distorting the sense.
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Sometimes the run-ons break the monotony a meter can potentially generate. I am glad you liked this, Jane!
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That’s my thought too. It prevents the poem sounding too sing-song.
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A lovely poem Frank. Those roots do have wisdom.
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Yes, they do. Thank you, Alison!
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I love where those last two lines take us- out of nature into the realm of human hope and then back again.
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The last two lines were the point of the poem. I am glad they stood out for you. Thank you!
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The farmers and trees share a kindred isolation and wisdom.
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Yes, they are similar on that prairie. Thank you, Amaya!
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Wow Frank. This is spectacular. You write about the Midwest in an intimate way. Worn, silent, flat – but the roots of the plants and farmers are wise. Excellent.
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The midwest rural environment is often perceived in a negative way–worn, silent, flat. Compared with the city’s opportunities I was looking for something positive to say. Thank you, Toni!
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I’m so glad you chose to focus on the unique beauty of the Midwest, Frank–that is the essence of her work and its influence is evident in your poem.
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I grew up on a midwest farm. The scenes in her photography are very familiar to me. Thank you, Victoria!
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That’s apparent. I’ve also spent years in the Midwest. It charms me with its beauty and scares me off because of the cold. I’d love to live near my inlaws in Minot but truly, with my California DNA and 89 lb old body, I would die!
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Sounds like the flat farmland of iowa. Got your overalls on Frank? Sure sounds like life downhome on the farm
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That flat farmland is all over the place. Thanks, Walter!
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I think you have truly honoured Sharon’s work in this piece. Those wise roots have stories to tell.
This is one of my favourites of yours, Frank.
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I’m glad you liked this! Many of her photos reminded me of home in Indiana.
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So we’ll put together. And the picture was a perfect pick
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Sharon has many good photos. It was hard to pick one of them. Thank you, Noel!
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Love the ending….the roots are wise.
The whole poem just really works. Lovely.
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Thank you, Sascha! I am glad you enjoyed this.
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I love those deep roots, Frank, and the whole poem flows so well. I notice you made multiple drafts, but it reads like it sprang from your heart fully formed.
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Sometimes what seems to make sense on first writing doesn’t after I look away from it and do something else. I’m glad you liked this, Sarah!
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I like the imagery of trees that are tall and silent like corn
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There is a silence in the rural areas. I suspect the plants are busy with their conversations. Thank you!
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Wise roots…we need those. (K)
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I do think they are intelligent and wise. Thank you!
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Great poem, Frank. I really like the way you wove in the effects of the sun and wind on both the farmer and the trees. And also … the contrast between the city of dreams and the reality of roots! Beautifully done!
Dwight
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Thank you, Dwight! I am glad you liked this!
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you even pulled in sounds to this imaginative rendition “The urban far off concentrates
Dreams”
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That line break tried to emphasize the challenge of the urban to the rural. The trees had to resolve it somehow. Thank you, Laura!
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Dreams and roots….I am going to ponder this. Nice!
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I am glad you liked it, Mary!
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Roots Spread
NeVeR
ThiNk JusT SPReaD..:)
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Thanks, Fred!
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Very wise words, Frank.
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Thank you, Robbie!
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Love the last couplet .
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Thank you, Imelda!
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