“New Pioneer,” Ensign, Mar. 1982, 69
New Pioneer
1982 Eliza R. Snow Poetry Contest 1st Place Winner
I don’t till the earth
sweating under a new sun
crying from blisters just begun
all day
six days
because I was cast out of the Garden.
I don’t flee my home
sweating in an icy night
fearful, thankful for my life
all night
one dreadful night
because my neighbors drove me out.
I don’t walk prairie miles
sweating under desert sun
choking dust behind wagons
all day
six days
because my home is somewhere ahead.
I don’t kneel, rocking my baby
afraid, hoping he won’t die
praying he will stay strong, alive
all day
seven days
because he could die, like my last two did.
I fight in Satan’s last battle
for the spirit of each child
holding hands with God
all day
every day.
Our victory is Eternal.