Perhaps one of the most important aspects of homesteading is not only the continuous acts of hard work and determination to live a life of self-reliance, but the values that go along with it. The community of homesteaders who read Homesteading are wonderfully creative and hard working people, making this blog a joy to write. ‘Mom On A Farm' is the perfect poetic example of this lifestyle we all love. I was recently beyond flattered that one of our readers was willing to share a personal poem that she wrote about her life as a homesteading mother. After getting her permission, I am sharing it with all of you to enjoy!   Mom On A Farm By Nicole Malstrom You can ask what it’s like to be a mom And you’d get answers far and long But do you know what it is like to be A mom on a farm, now that’s what I mean? We’ll take the last seven years or so And see if we can give the story a go We had some dogs, some lambs, things here and there But a bigger four legged would bring life with a flair A pony, a gift, from an old neighbor you see Would open the way for a red head with glee Hours upon hours these two were together Sleeping outside, bonding through all kinds of weather Reading a book laying across her back Or riding the roads and lanes with our without tack We had to deal with an abscess up in a foot Soaking and treating and care of the hoof From there, along with a move Another kid started into the groove Through connections a second horse came free A beautiful gray guy for my boy he would be They rode these two most every day Even through winter, gloomy and gray Along with these critters came the need for feed And the kids pitched in to fill that need Shoveling manure, bucking hay, placing flyers not a few Earning denaro to feed the growing crew Along came a big ol’ starving bay That tugged the heart strings right away   But a spill mixed with wire along the road Would change how this horse’s story would be told An injury to the fetlock is what happened The vet was called and treatment began All things that were done seemed to no avail And it seemed he’d be sent on the heavn’ly trail My daughter asked if we could keep trying, anything at all So we soaked, stretched, massaged, wrapped, praying a mighty call And to the vet’s surprise the unhealable healed So he could once again walk smoothly across the field. But on a clear and sunny September morn, The pony became cantankerous and forlorn This bay, he got a little too close to her And she let out some kicks with quite the flur   As a few girls were preparing to take a ride Is when events unfurled to make one cry To watch this boy thrash in the pains of death We supposed heaven’s pasture was indeed his path See, those kicks had caused damage unseen to the naked eye Causing him to bleed to death deep inside It’s hard to witness death take place in ways as such Then holding a child as they cry for another loved so much See, many may not quite understand the connection That certain gals can have with introspection. Farm life, farm life……how ‘bout lets add some more How about a special needs lamb in through the door. This little thing needed special care and love Since deformity affected the palate from above   Feedings through the night; yep, she did each one Doing what was needed and up before the sun Then added in new lambs to bring companionship For the special one with the unlined lip So for weeks on end through the night we’d get up and feed Bottle after bottle according to lots of need And just when it was about to end the nightly trek, A friend’s dogs took a kitten and didn’t put it back It was such a tiny little slimed up blob But Amandah was asked if she was up for the job So from lamb straight to kitten came the nightly bottle feeds As she became momma to another little one’s needs. Nigerian Dwarf goats joined with our growing array Now those are the cutest babies you’ve ever watched jump and play!!   And bunnies! Oh yes you can’t forget these soft and hoppy friends White, black, brown, gray, and a mix of many blends. Death always seems to come and strike it’s hand Not caring which critter is across the land Dogs jumped in our pen of lambs Scaring, biting, believing a kill was at hand Though it didn’t happen just right then Our special needs gal could no longer win A special bond was attacked through this death blow And now her body returns to Mother Earth below. A couple of calves joined our happy fray But one of those didn’t make the day. It’s not easy when the call needs to be made To put an animal down, to put it to the grave.   The boys have both had to assist in this grim task The realities of life over them hold no mask. Life carries on, and the farm critters are as much a part For their care and lives set upon us their mark. These all can get sick or have problems like me or you And they need love and care, this much is true. At times you’d think our kitchen was a veterinary room Treat ear infections, abscesses, dressing wounds, and to groom Lambs and goats, dogs, cats, and rabbits…. Some days it seemed to form new habbits. And a bedroom for a girl was not just that for her It has been shared with creatures full of fur But it hasn’t always stopped with just that It’s even become a room at times for horse’s tack!   I don’t think many other mothers can really understand a certain woe About living on a farm through sun and rain and wind and snow Because no matter how hard I try to convince any to remove the shoe In comes not just dirt and mud or sand, but a glorious mix with critter poo!! So there are some things both hard and sad But many things as well to make one glad We’ve joined in competitions, events, and parades, And worked to earn the blue ribbon grades. To watch a certain girl ride true and free Or a young man drive his mini and cart down the street Fills this mother’s heart with gladness and joy As their gifts and talents they work to employ. I haven’t shared all the stories of sorrows or lucks Or included the donkey, turkeys, guineas, roosters, or ducks   But I think I have shared things just enough That farm life is fun, enjoyable, and sometimes tuff. Yet, it is still the life for my kids I adore I don’t see how else they could’ve grown more. So onto each new day we arrive To see what antics or mishaps mix with our lives I’ll not beleaguer the show with more For I believe there’s others to adore So I declare my part is through And bid you all adieu!   Again, I would just like to thank Nicole for being to willing to share her poem with me and by extension, all of you! What did you all think of the poem? Please let me know in the comments below! Happy homesteading!   Follow us on instagram, twitter, pinterest, and facebook! LIKE this? I’m sure you’ll LOVE: Homesteading For Renters: Can It Be Done? 15 Top Homesteaders To Follow On Instagram 22 Gardening Tips To Earn Your Most Fruitful Yield Yet