I have a Kansas farmer who tells me, “I know a large number of farmers in Kansas, none of whom is a Democrat.”
I am familiar with both #90 and #5. When I lived in Tacoma, I had perhaps a Top Five job for writers/poets.
I was a D.O.E. Litter Picker based out of Olympia. Daily I would pick up juveniles needing to work off their Community Service hours and head to I-5 or US 7...I would pickup litter as well...This job had us quiet, counting our bags gave you the idea of ‘accomplishment’, and listening for three years to the ‘voices’ behind me in our van, poured stories, accents, and daydream visions.
I have an MEd and years of teaching behind me. No matter the many jobs I have had, Litter Picking my best writerly job. I wrote a poem called, Litter Pickers, maintaining my own sense of humor.
As a person from the fertile Central Valley of California, from an almond growing fam, I can confirm that what you say is true:) Keep buying nuts at market price and we can always be friends! Lol
I came for the post, and stayed for the comments. Interesting to read everyone's thoughts on your piece. I live in the middle of nowhere Montana on our family farm & ranch, and will be thinking of your post for awhile. Thanks for sharing.
Amen. I grew up in a blue collar family and now live in a rural farming community, and this strikes me as fundamentally true. Whatever the (mostly abstract) antagonisms, our interdependence is essential.
Gorgeous. Yes! Outstanding and true. I consider myself a free-thinker/contrarian but broadly a centrist Democrat. (Anti-Woke.) Never voted Republican once in my life. But your essay shines a light on the hypocrisy of hating one group...especially when that group essentially allows you to exist. Think about who builds the skyscrapers, who drives the trucks with the produce from farm to city (as you wrote), who produces the food to begin with. We all need each other. This is an essay about the essential unity of all mankind.
The ending is polyphonic and shockingly beautiful. I don't know how to describe this, but at least I can hear a harmonics of the sacred and the secular, waves of noises/voices seamlessly growing into a magnificent hymn which is still noise. Thank you, Sherman.
"I don’t believe in God, not much at least." I wonder how this is possible but I know it is because I feel that way too. We rode to catechism in the bed of a pick up truck driven by a priest. At age 12 I left the church but it never left me. Maybe Jesus likes to ride.
great piece. love the comments. I love hearing about Native Americans and their contemporary lives, especially from you and your commenters, who I feel like tell the truth about things.
I have a Kansas farmer who tells me, “I know a large number of farmers in Kansas, none of whom is a Democrat.”
I am familiar with both #90 and #5. When I lived in Tacoma, I had perhaps a Top Five job for writers/poets.
I was a D.O.E. Litter Picker based out of Olympia. Daily I would pick up juveniles needing to work off their Community Service hours and head to I-5 or US 7...I would pickup litter as well...This job had us quiet, counting our bags gave you the idea of ‘accomplishment’, and listening for three years to the ‘voices’ behind me in our van, poured stories, accents, and daydream visions.
I have an MEd and years of teaching behind me. No matter the many jobs I have had, Litter Picking my best writerly job. I wrote a poem called, Litter Pickers, maintaining my own sense of humor.
In matters of food all labels of distinction dissolve.
Best not to bite the hand that feeds you?
The complexity that is missed in so many everyday interactions. Thank you for this.
A whole new perspective on how we are fed and ways we work together, even when we are separated politically.
As a person from the fertile Central Valley of California, from an almond growing fam, I can confirm that what you say is true:) Keep buying nuts at market price and we can always be friends! Lol
So good. I have sent it to others. A little bit o' Jesus on the road again.
Jeanne
I came for the post, and stayed for the comments. Interesting to read everyone's thoughts on your piece. I live in the middle of nowhere Montana on our family farm & ranch, and will be thinking of your post for awhile. Thanks for sharing.
Reading the Liturgy of the Ordinary...this piece could have been included. For an agnostic, you sure can lay down a good Christian teaching. Loved it.
Amen. I grew up in a blue collar family and now live in a rural farming community, and this strikes me as fundamentally true. Whatever the (mostly abstract) antagonisms, our interdependence is essential.
Gorgeous. Yes! Outstanding and true. I consider myself a free-thinker/contrarian but broadly a centrist Democrat. (Anti-Woke.) Never voted Republican once in my life. But your essay shines a light on the hypocrisy of hating one group...especially when that group essentially allows you to exist. Think about who builds the skyscrapers, who drives the trucks with the produce from farm to city (as you wrote), who produces the food to begin with. We all need each other. This is an essay about the essential unity of all mankind.
The world needs more stories and essays like this one. Thank you so much for sharing.
The ending is polyphonic and shockingly beautiful. I don't know how to describe this, but at least I can hear a harmonics of the sacred and the secular, waves of noises/voices seamlessly growing into a magnificent hymn which is still noise. Thank you, Sherman.
"I don’t believe in God, not much at least." I wonder how this is possible but I know it is because I feel that way too. We rode to catechism in the bed of a pick up truck driven by a priest. At age 12 I left the church but it never left me. Maybe Jesus likes to ride.
"I didn't realize you were also a splendid engineer," said the songwriter to the poet who builds bridges on the side.
great piece. love the comments. I love hearing about Native Americans and their contemporary lives, especially from you and your commenters, who I feel like tell the truth about things.