For this one farmer the worries are over, lie down and rest your head,
Your time has been and struggles enough, put the tractor in the shed.

Years were not easy, many downright hard, but your faith in God transcended,
Put away your tools and sleep in peace. The fences have all been mended.

You raised a fine family, worked the land well under the hot, summer sun,
Hang up your shovel inside the barn; your work on earth is done.

A faith few possess led your journey thru life, often a jagged and stony way,
The sun is setting, the crops are harvested and here now is the end of your day.

Your love of God’s soil has passed on to your kin, the stories flow like good beer,
Wash off your boots in the puddle of rain, for there is nothing more to fear.

You always believed that the good Lord would provide and He always had somehow,
Take off your gloves and put them away, no more sweat and worry for you now.

Your labor is done, your home now is heaven; no more must you wait,
Your legacy lives on, your love of the Land, and yes Dad – we will close the gate …

Close the Gate © Poem by Nancy Kraayenhof & Adapted by Mark Roy (Read at Funeral)