In Defense of an Old East Texas Farm

Thomas Hemminger

March 19, 2023

Your fields have not been planted in so many years.

Your stock pens were long since razed. 

Only a grassy mound and an old cistern 

Evince the one-time house, and 

A hot, tired way of life from long ago. 

You accept our new cabins,

Our electricity, and our modern comforts.

They do not mar your landscape,

Nor do they pollute your ambiance with light or clamor. 

Your peace remains protected like a secret. 

We return to you for sake of silence, and 

For rest from a busy world- our loud clime. 

You offer yourself to us for a nourishment. 

We are your new crop, 

And you are helping us to grow. 

Thomas Hemminger is an elementary music teacher living in Dallas, Texas. His personal hero is Mr. Fred Rogers, the creator of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. It was through America’s favorite “neighbor” that Thomas learned of the importance of loving others and of giving them their own space and grace to grow.