The Z Tractor

tractorTHE Z    By Jay E. Bates

It was a tractor of  simplicity itself.

A magneto, gravity flow fuel and a crank

Mostly used as a cultivator

 

It started easy enough when cold

You did not want to stall it hot

For it would not start how much you cussed and sweated

 

A long day in the Colorado high plains sun

With a straw hat donned

The noise and vibration continued after shutdown and remained for awhile

 

Long rows or pinto beans, beets, and corn

Blue skies and unrelenting sun

The canvas water bag caked with damp dust

 

Thirsty and hot is the boy

Longing to take a dip in the nearby irrigation ditch

But, he sighs, and settles for a long drink on cool slightly dust tasting water

 

Somewhere some boys are swimming, fishing and having fun

Not today for the farmer’s son is resigned to the monotonous rows and bright sun

He knows tomorrow will bring more of the same and the Z will continue into his soul to run