For Battened Barn and Heated Home

For battened barn and heated home, for oaten straw and hickory wood, for silage sweet and turnip greens, for soybean meal and fowl fit to eat, we do thank thee, Great Provider.

Though the days be short, our evenings are long. 

Though the month be short, our plans are long. 

Only three phases of the snow moon, but there's no blood upon it now, thanks be to God. 

That both peace and plenty do come from thee, we lisp like children, glad and grateful. 

Bless then this meat to our use, our selves to thy service, here and beyond, now and forever. 

Amen.

(excerpt from the book, The Farmer Gives Thanks by Samuel R. Guard; photo by Marcus Zymmer via Unsplash.com)