Sangha Farm: Grown the Way Nature Intended

This appeared in the Ashfield News a few years ago. I thought it was beautiful, actually when I read it it brings tears to my eyes. It really captures what it is to be a farmer.

“ I Am Only A Farmer”
By: Anonymous

I am only a farmer. I know the sun better than anyone. And the soil. And the wind. And the rain. I am the person who works with them. Who loves them. And who sometimes fears them.

I am only a farmer. I am the sower of seeds. I am the tender of stock. I am the reaper of harvest. I am sweat. And tears. And pride.

I am only a farmer. I am the person who feeds the young. And the old. The weak. And the strong. I am the black earth of Spring. The green hills of Summer. The harvest gold of Autumn. And the cold white stillness of winter.

I am only a farmer. I am warm memories of the past. The steely reality of the present. And a hopeful dream of the future. I am an optimist. A thinker. A watcher. And a doer.

I am only a farmer. I live in a complex world. Made of simple things. And they are my source & joy. And hope. And comfort. I have walked the morning fogs. I have paused for the Summer song of the meadowlark. And I have savored the breeze off freshly cut hay. I have paused remembering, by the stream I knew as a child. I have felt the power of a thousand storms. And rejoiced in the fresh world left in their wake.

I am only a farmer. I am accountant. Chemist. And doctor. I am midwife. And mechanic. I am seller. Trader. And buyer. Helper. And partner to my spouse. I am parent. Comforter. And teacher to my children.

I am only a farmer. Not a person of riches. But a person of great wealth. I have learned to treasure life. And all things living. To respect their maker. And my own. I am humbled by the earth’s bounty. And awed by endless rebirth. I am fascinated by the marvelous intricacies of my world. And enriched by their beauty.

I am only a farmer. If a person can be truly free, then I truly am. The day. The week. The month. They have been entrusted to me. They are mine to spend. They are mine to invest. They are mine to use wisely. It is a solitary profession I have chosen. Or, perhaps, that I have been chosen for. A profession where there are no certainities. Where no guarantees are granted. No promises given. No excuses taken. I have but one person to answer to. One person to depend on. One person to confide in. And in the quiet of the years, I have come to know me well.

I am only a farmer. I am perseverance. And creativity.

I am only a farmer. I am confidence. And ingenuity. And intelligence.

I am only a farmer. A seeker of excellence……..and I will endure.