HUSBANDRY

KATHARINE J. SMITH

For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.—Jesus.

Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.—Jesus.

The husbandman who goes afield at dawn,
And sees afar his wealth of springing corn,
Knows that each tender stalk of vital green
Finds firmer fiber e'er the flower is seen;
And he who plants with wise and patient skill.
Doth bide the law of growth, and fear no ill;
The shimmering blades must wait the season's prime
The stripling corn is but at tassel-time.