Sweat and Tears

furrows on fields
lined straight in readiness
curves and cups awaiting rain
to nurture seeds sowed
for grains to harvest

arid land
cracked without blessings
from the clouds
no sympathy from heat
sun is without mercy

they toil the land
picking food off soil
scratching the surface
of empty stomach
waiting on God with hope

sweat on brows
wrinkled and brown
wiped with dirty palms
tears from faded eyes
burning down pigmented cheeks

still they toil
dawn to dusk
unheeding of rainbows
to shelter, clothe and feed
wards given of God.