I wrote this poem in 2021 using the term “Heavy,” relating to things and situations in my life and experiences on our farm.
This piece was also the spring 2023 Baker-Starzinger Award Winning Poem presented through the University of Central Missouri. The guest judge selected the poem; Adam Vines is a published author, associate professor, and director of Creative Writing at the University of Alabama Birmingham. He also serves as the editor of the Birmingham Poetry Review.


