FARM TO PLANT
In a three-bedroom house, with nine siblings strong
We rose with the sun, with the days feeling long
Cows in the barn, winter chill on our hands
Milk in the pail, while frost gripped the land
.
I know every animal, their ways and their quirks
From the fowl to the furry ones, I know their perks
Plain good ole Kentucky country boys know
That the bond with the creatures, is where true love grows
.
Through seasons of harvest, through winter’s cold chill
With the strength of the mountains, I weathered it still
In my heart, there’s a rhythm, a song rich and true
For the life of the farm, that my family pursued
.
One of nine siblings, with the land as our pride
We embraced the farm, where our hearts abide
We raised what we ate, in soil rich and deep
Strawberries, potatoes and corn, we reaped
.
Mom cooked our meals, the items she needed more
Sugar, salt, pepper, coffee, we bartered the local store
The garden we tended bore fruits from our strife
We harvested our vegetables, that was our life
.
Handed down tools, made with pride from the land
We also crafted what was needed with our hands
As we forged our own needs with sweat on our brows
Our dreams were bigger than the land would allow
.
Together we toiled, through struggles and tears
In the heart of Kentucky, we conquered our fears
Saturday afternoons, under the yards shade tree
Boys gathered ‘round for a haircut, you see
.
From barn to school, my childhood dreams soared
With numbers and figures, I carved my own board
But fate had a plan, it whispered my name
Leaving my Kentucky home, a challenge that came
.
With a heart full of courage and family by my side
I rose through the struggle, with diligence and pride
College on my mind, took a leap I had to take
With dreams in my pocket, I chased every break
.
I majored in numbers with dreams held so tight
Never dreamed I’d master plants that generated light
Each lesson a step on this winding road
Crafting a successful future from family roots sowed
.
Mastering power where the fossils burn bright
Then nuclear dreams took me to greater heights
Training the operators who’d handle the core
In a world built on science, nuclear opened the door
.
Two nuclear plants on my shoulders, I stood
Trained operators of power, I gave all that I could
Manager of training, I nurtured each mind
In the intricate dance of the controls intertwined
.
With knowledge and wisdom, I embraced every chance
Manager of training, guiding minds in the dance
Specialist I became, in the fuel that aged
Handling used remnants, as the future engaged
.
Life has tested my limits, as it often will do
But my Kentucky wife and our daughters pull me through
I’m now retired, my health slowing down
Yet the love for my girls wraps me safe and sound
.
With stories to share ‘bout hard work and pride
In the heart of Tennessee, I now reside
The difficult farm raising showed me the way
In a world full of change, my memories to stay
.
Nine siblings united in work and in play
From fields to the future, we forged our own way
From a three-bedroom home, where our stories entwined
We built something lasting, through blood, sweat, and time
.
In my heart lies the earth and its marvelous grace
The journey from youth hardships to triumph I trace
With faith as my guide through each day and night
I cherish the moments when everything’s right
.
My memory’s fabric is woven so tight
I honor the struggle by bathing in God’s light
I have stood where the refreshing winds blow free
My journey continues, so does my legacy
.
