Wild rainy weather once again,
pouring off the windblown fells ,
water filling up the muddy lane,
as undeterred, we take our walk.
Down a favourite bridleway
for horses, dogs, and walkers –
but not many taking it today,
just us tiptoeing in the mud.
Then, a thundering noise
approaching down the lane,
we press into the hedge, as
a giant tractor trundles past.
Wheels, taller than us roll past
our noses, spraying water in
the air. Why are they so vast
these mechanical dinosaurs?
Sodden fields corrugated by
the tractor’s tyres, then spill
their muddy contents across
the passing public roads.
Pity poor shy earth worms
toiling underground, when this
enormous weight solidifies
their dark ancestral home.
Bring back the gentle horse
drawn plough, the farmer at
the reins, taking a slower way
to growing food again.