Write Field: Sunset

Photographers and painters invest a great deal of time waiting for just the right light. As farmers, we are extremely fortunate to be outside just as that perfect light makes its all- too-brief appearance.

Stop and take a moment to enjoy the beauty around you — especially at those times of the year when the subject matter of the scene before us is so interesting. This poem speaks of the annual harvest season and its natural beauty.

— Sunset —

Harvest in the sunset,

What a glorious, glorious sight.

There’s something about the lighting

On the front side of the night.

The air becomes a pallet,

The sky’s a special hue.

The colors blend and soften

As the sun slips out of view.

When it’s combines in the sunset,

Then grain dust fills the air.

It’s red and gold that blend and mix

To fill the sky up there.

Soon the headlights twinkle on,

They add a festive feel.

When the combine turns towards you,

Lights blink behind the reel.

The dust will hang just off the ground

Because the wind has quit.

You hope it’s back come morning

To dry things out a bit.

With combines in the sunset

You know the day is done.

The moisture race is over,

Again the dew has won.

Tomorrow comes another sprint,

But now you get a rest.

Then up again to put machine

And manpower to the test.

So seize a chance to watch the combine

Make one final round.

Stand there on the headland,

Soak in the sight and sound.

Take one evening moment

To think of all that’s right.

Then thank the Lord His bounty,

Go home and rest the night.

David Kragnes farms near Felton, Minn. He is a former chairman of American Crystal Sugar Company and currently serves on the board of directors of CoBank.