Something About Strength and Fortitude

I have often looked to the mountains for strength and

durability even though my place over the past years

years has been situated on the edge of the Great Plains.

Ah but, here too heading West across Kansas can hold

inspiration for me. As I see it, flat lands and gently

rolling terrain are enduring as well. There is a certain

fortitude out here to be admired, the endless expanse of

open field from horizon to horizon spread out to entice the

curious eye. Then, off in the distance there appears a lone

tree (could be a stately oak or cottonwood, from a dis-

tance in the growing darkness, I cannot rightly see).

Even so, to be envied for its tenacity rooted defiantly

alone and exposed in the open field, its twisted and gnarly

branches, rising as a venerable stanchion of life, reaching

ever upward into the waning light of a crimson sundown sky.

Mountain or Plain, and even to this day, I have known spirited

pioneer people who with due diligence and a fire in the belly

have adapted to such austere surroundings as well.

I see the farmer on his tractor plowing the fields. He knows

that of which I speak.  

Chris Hanch 2-3-19