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                      Islanders

                      Published by Michael J LaFrancis at March 2, 2026
                      Categories
                      • Nature Poetry
                      • Poetry
                      Tags
                      • farming
                      • islanders
                      • labor
                      • Michael J LaFrancis
                      • nature
                      • poetry
                      • resilience
                      A wide coastal landscape shows a calm blue body of water stretching toward low, green islands in the distance under a clear, pale blue sky. In the foreground, a small coastal town with terracotta rooftops lines the shoreline. The scene feels open, serene, and rooted in place, evoking island life and connection to land and sea. White overlay text and graphics float in the sky area. plant their seeds TEXT: Islanders, Michael J LaFrancis, Poetry

                      Image created on Canva

                      They plant their seeds in the iron rich red soil,
                      drop bait in emerald blue water;
                      these faithful stewards live to fish and farm.

                      Nature takes no day off, nor can they
                      to harvest an answer to their prayer,
                      their offering, farm to table
                      that can feed their neighbor.

                      To survive, they must adopt modern farming
                      Make large investments in technology
                      technique, or cash out, when return on crop
                      or animal cannot keep up with industry;
                      only seeds of their forefarmers still try.

                      Whether you are an islander or come from away,
                      you are always welcome — stop by, no questions asked,
                      just share what you will. These islanders maintain that
                      well done is better than well said, their charm seen
                      like white steeples around every bend.


                      Check out more from MockingOwl Roost here:

                      • Homelands – Poetry 
                      • This Land Which Built Me – Poetry
                      • Moments Reserved for Those Who Dare – Poetry
                      • On an Earth Day Like Today – Poetry

                      🍵 We run on pure passion here at the Roost and every bit of help goes a long way! If you’d like to support our on-going efforts to keep our publication free for everyone, consider fueling us with a digital tea.

                      Michael J LaFrancis
                      + postsBio

                      Michael J. LaFrancis has been a trusted advisor and advocate for individuals, groups and organizations interested in aligning purpose and capabilities in service of their highest ideals. Writing poetry is a contemplative practice providing insight and inspiration for living a life imagined. LaFrancis’ hobbies include landscape gardening, nature walks, collecting fine art, writing and cooking. He and his partner Sharon are co-authors of their autobiography: Our Wonderful Life. They have two sons and have recently been promoted to being grandparents.

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