~An Extra Measure of Hay-On Christmas Day~ Christmas Write In Memory of My Dad

~An Extra Measure of Hay-On Christmas Day

Bill was a simple farmer, yet he was dedicated; always working hard.
Many chores on his list to be completed as his list just grew and grew.
Sometimes he was tempted to renig on completing a farm task or two;
But on this day of all days, there was a job he just could not disregard.

It was Christmas Day and there was a tradition that was just his own.
He loved his Hereford Cattle, and they received only the best of care.
When times were hard, he rarely had extra feed that he could spare;
But on this Holy Day, an extra measure of generosity would be shown.

Such a dear chore of compassion, he chose yearly to be the day's last;
And, as cold wind was blowing the swirling snow in the glistening air;
He yearned to relax in his warm home yet he realized he did not dare.
This task he wanted to finish with kind love, as in all the seasons past.

He tucked his quilted flannel shirt down into his well worn bib overalls;
Opened the heavy barn door, and got ready to feed his prize cattle.
He stopped to think of how farm life could often be an ongoing battle;
But, he forgot these old problems as he eagerly stopped into the stalls.

He gingerly walked over; grabbing a long pitchfork that was well worn;
Then, he started to lovingly gather an extra measure of wonderful hay;
An extra pitchfork full for each cow, that was his gift on Christmas Day.
He did this to honor the baby Jesus who in a stable as this, was born.

He entered the stall of each cow, and then stopped and gently spoke,
"I have a special gift for you, that I now do humbly and so lovingly give.
An extra measure I give to honor God's son, who died so man may live.
His birth and death allowed all mankind from sin to be thus unyoked."

"I tell you my dear cattle, as I kneel to pray here in this lowliest of places;
Your good fortune to receive from my heart, a gift of an extra bit of hay,
Is but a homespun desire to honor Baby Jesus in this most humble of ways;
A simple gesture, but it is a reminder to me of Lord Jesus's saving grace!"

He then stood up and slowly walked away from the coldness of the barn;
And headed up the lane where he would enjoy the warmth of his home.
He looked up at the stars in Heaven and thanked God for love as shown.
He was a simple man who loved His God, family, and animals of his farm!

This write is dedicated to the memory of my father, Ret. M/Sgt. Wiliam H.
Bowyer who lovingly gave an extra measure of hay to our farm animals
on every Christmas Day!
It is a memory that I hold dear, and shall never forget.

Sheila Bowyer Kline
A Poetess of Multiplicity

.......this poem is also posted in the group, "Words From A Writer's Heart".