The very best tradition
of folks out on the land
is when they get together
to lend a helping hand.
Country people join their forces
for the common good.
They’ll put a crew together
right from the neighborhood.
Oh, it might not be as common
as it was in former years,
but most cattlefolks still “neighbor up”
when it’s time to gather steers.
Or, when it’s time to work the calves,
they’ll come from miles around
to help a neighbor heel those calves
and work ’em on the ground.
And the Pennsylvania Amish
will make up a local crew.
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They’ll raise a barn in no time.
Won’t quit until they’re through.
My brother wrecked his spray plane.
He was very badly hurt,
but neighbors came from miles around,
and they sure stirred up the dirt.
Seemed like half the county
put their shoulders to the load,
and they just kept on comin’ back
’til his land was tilled and sowed.
And all the neighbor ladies
would prepare a big ol’ lunch.
No volunteer went hungry.
They fed the whole dang bunch.
In this age of competition
and high tech operation,
there’s still a time to “neighbor up”
in true cooperation.
Survival, kindness, friendship,
that’s what it’s all about.
Neighborin’ is when you gather up
to help each other out.
Editor’s note: Joe Kreger writes from his home in Tonkawa, Oklahoma. His CDs are available from the Journal by calling 1-800-954-5263. For personal appearance information, call 1-816-550-6549.
