The Z Poem by Jay 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