The Farmer and His Wife

A lowly farmer and his wife
Did the best they could to carve out their life.
Fourteen offspring, together they bore;
They've now multiplied into many more.
Times were hard for the farmer, his wife and their clan.
Everyone was expected to lend a hand.

Milk cows, feed the chickens, wash clothes, scrub the floors;
"All right, young’uns, get on with them chores.
There's hogs to slop and peas to pick and
For those who dawdle, a peach tree switch!"

The chores were endless; sun up to sun down.
An occasional treat was a trip into town.
Such a hard life.......most all will agree,
But for all the bad times, there is good, equally.
The Hagan brood learned very early in life,
Hard work, perseverance and coping with strife.

In time, all grew up and went their own way.
"Now my life will be better", they were each heard to say.
Some have made lots of money; some not so much.
But the ties that bind have kept all in touch.

There have been times when each differed; they didn't agree,
But love is the root of this strong family tree.
So tonight when you've come to the end of your day
And you bow your head and start to pray,
Thank God for your roots; the bad as well as the good;
For the farmer and his wife who gave all that they could.