THE   GOOD   FARMER 

Copyright 2011 by Sam Yulish

The Good Farmer

always gives back to the earth more than he takes out.

Not just with soil and plants, but with all.

This includes his dealings with men and women.

To give is to receive,

to give from the heart with unconditional love.

To give out of duty, with contract or compromise—

this is not giving.

When the joy of giving is replaced

with anger, or any anticipation of return,

the giving is poisoned.

The good farmer is thankful to give and thankful to take—

He sees both as the same.

When water springs forth from his well,

to feed his crops and his animals,

he does not think “this is my water from my well

that I spent many hours digging.”

He thinks “thank you earth, for making this

water available for my crops and animals and myself.”

The good farmer does the same with relationships.

He gives from the heart, and is thankful he can give.

When the giving loses heart, he no longer gives,

but asks for understanding.

He does not take without asking permission.

He is glad to give more than he takes.

He never feels cheated.

His strength is in his character,

not in his worldly accomplishments or possessions.

The good farmer is brave,

protector of the earth and his brothers and sisters.

The good farmer is afraid of nothing,

as he knows he has nothing to lose.

He knows that all his possessions belong

to the earth, and he is just the caretaker.

The good farmer knows the order of creation-

possessions are of the earth,

but human hearts are of the Great Spirit.

The good farmer never turns away from

a human heart to tend his possessions.

His home, his animals—they will wait.

He is not afraid of death,

he is not afraid of life.

The good farmer steadily becomes one

with all.