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SENSE OF PLACE |
Obsidian night stippled white by distant Stars—while wind rustles hidden trees And I listen like a boy again, filling With prairie breaths and five generations Of dreams—obscures the rich sod into which Delve the farm roots my German-Russian Kin sowed one hundred thirty years Ago. Growing up a farm boy taught Me how to build and furrow straight, to caretake— Witness to life and death—impressive lessons I draw from even now in city life. My folks continue the agrarian legacy And talk to us about the farm’s future when We visit.
MATTHEW NIES was raised on a farm in rural North Dakota. He currently lives in Maryland and works for Senator John Hoeven. Nies attended the University of Jamestown, and his poetry has appeared in the University of Jamestown’s literary journal Plainsong.
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