He’s simple
and wants for
nothing
except for his
family and farm.
Levis and work
boots are his daily uniform.
He finds peace
in the fields
and in his home.
He has amish
blood,
although he no
longer practices.
He goes to
church every Sunday because
that’s what
you’re supposed to do.
It was his
grandfather’s farm,
then his
father’s, now his,
and one day will
be his son’s.
His children
play sports because
that’s what
they’re supposed to do,
and he’s never
missed a game.
And on Fridays
at seven ‘o’clock
he leaves the field early
to cheer on the
only team he knows.
He likes to stay
in the comfort
of the 1.5
square mile radius.
Where on
Saturdays he goes to
breakfast at 4
a.m., then
the bank down
the street.
He loves that it
always stays the same,
and the local
businesses never die.
Where he still
sees store windows
painted for the
homecoming game,
and the local
newspaper is the only one he needs.
He doesn’t pay
attention to
the local
gossip;
though he knows
it’s an epidemic.
He has
suspicions
of what his children
are doing
on the weekends.
But he chooses
to ignore them
and leave it to
his wife.
He gets involved
in disagreements
only when
unavoidable.
The crops are
his main concern,
and he depends
on the local
weather reports.
He knows the
local politics, and
he knows which
farms are his
friends,
and which are
rivals.
These rivals
cause
bad blood
between families,
over simplest
misunderstandings.
He didn’t go to
college.
He didn’t need
to.
He knows he’ll
never leave,
or change.
And he doesn’t
want to.
He supports his
children,
but wants them
to
eventually
return.
Because his
family is everything.
And though he
can take
a little change,
ultimately he
wants
everything to
stay the
same.
I come from a very small, rural town
in central Illinois. The population of my town is 2,200 people, and farming is
a way of life. Though my dad doesn’t farm, when I thought of personifying my
town, I thought it was only appropriate to choose a farmer because our crops
are what drive our small economy. My town never changes, and the local
restaurants and shops have been there for as long as I can remember. It’s also
important to mention that my town has one of the largest Amish populations in
the country, which definitely makes my town unique.
Allie, I like how you describe your father experiences to give us an idea of what Illinois is. I like that you mentioned he didn't go to college and feels that he doesn't need to, he's fine with how things are and only wants to support his family. I appreciate the outlook you provide for us on your hometown through your father's perspective. I have always wondered what the Amish population is like, and seeing this gives me something of an idea of what it is like.
ReplyDeleteAllie,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog that personifies your “small town” and a man who lives there as having the main role of a farmer and provider. My parents came from a small town and were the only ones on either side of their family to move away. It reminds me of going to the place where my grandparents live to visit now. My grandfather was both a farmer and business man so I remember him having qualities that you mentioned of your town as well. I like the line, “He doesn’t pay attention to the local gossip; though he knows it’s an epidemic.” Wonderfully written were your words and thank you for sharing with us!
-Caroline