The old shovel leans against the truck side,

Placed well, hiding in the shade,

And there’s two bags there, still open wide,

And others may be forgotten, with the sun fade,

Behind the full bags all stacked and tied.

 

For we are done with the wheat today,

And sitting in the evening sun,

The truck, ready to be taken away,

And emptied before tomorrow’s work is begun,

From the silo to start the new day.

 

Until tomorrow. Now, we tread for home,

With thoughts of pockets filled with pay,

Along tree-lined track the dusk filled sky,

With water sweet, scent of wheat and sweat of the day,

We think of things that we may buy.

 

The sun will sleep with me tonight, burning

On my bed and and my back,

And I will lay in closed room heat, yearning

Not to dream of potato-sacks of wheat to stack,

Or the dry mouth dusty churning.

 

I’ll have Frost’s sleep after apples falling

“Or just some human sleep”.

Wouldst the moon through night go slowly crawling?

Here, sweet oblivion. But wait, the night sells cheap

And now I hear the mother calling.

 
COPYRIGHT © 2017 GRANT FENTON – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

 

Critique by Alexis Ingram 

“Shoveling Wheat” is a contemplative poem that draws inspiration from Robert Frost’s “After Apple-Picking,” both in its thematic exploration and its poetic structure. Through its imagery and tone, the poem delves into the exhaustion and introspection that accompany physical labor, while also touching on themes of mortality and the passage of time.

The poem opens with a scene of agricultural labor, as the old shovel leans against the truck side, evoking a sense of weariness and completion. This image immediately calls to mind Frost’s poem, which similarly begins with a weary worker contemplating the end of a day’s labor. The use of the shovel as a central image serves as a nod to Frost’s poem, establishing a connection between the two works and setting the stage for a deeper exploration of shared themes.

As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the day’s work and the anticipation of rest. The imagery of sitting in the evening sun and thoughts turning towards home echoes the reflective tone of Frost’s poem, as both speakers grapple with the physical and emotional toll of their labor. The mention of the truck ready to be taken away and emptied before tomorrow’s work is begun reinforces the cyclical nature of farm life, a theme that resonates throughout both poems.

The poem’s language is simple yet evocative, capturing the sights, sounds, and sensations of rural life. The imagery of the tree-lined track, dusk-filled sky, and scent of wheat and sweat creates a vivid sense of place, immersing readers in the sensory experience of the farm. This attention to detail is reminiscent of Frost’s own descriptive style, which often relies on vivid imagery to evoke a sense of place and atmosphere.

Towards the end of the poem, the speaker’s thoughts turn inward as they contemplate the prospect of rest. The reference to Frost’s “sleep after apples falling” adds another layer of depth to the poem, as the speaker grapples with the idea of finding solace and peace in sleep. The juxtaposition of physical exhaustion and the desire for rest mirrors the themes of weariness and mortality that permeate Frost’s poem, underscoring the influence of his work on the poem’s overall tone and message.

In the final lines, the speaker is drawn back to reality by the sound of their mother calling, breaking ythe night’s sleep, bringing the poem full circle and emphasizing the connection between labor and familial responsibility. This ending serves as a poignant reminder of the obligations that anchor us to the world, even as we yearn for escape and reprieve.

Overall, “Shoveling Wheat” is a skillful homage to Robert Frost’s “After Apple-Picking,” drawing on similar themes and imagery to explore the complexities of rural life and the human experience. Through its evocative language and introspective tone, the poem invites readers to reflect on the cyclical nature of labor, the passage of time, and the search for meaning and fulfillment in the everyday.