The soldier couldn’t believe his eyes as he watched the farmer sitting smack-dab in the middle of combat.  And of all things, smiling.  He sat cross-legged and calm, as fire engulfed his home, his farm, and everything he had spent his entire life building.

Just moments ago the battle on the farmer’s property had ceased.  Bodies from both sides were scattered all around and the black smoke of violence covered the sun.  As the soldier scanned his surroundings for danger, he got up from his barricade and approached the farmer.

As he got closer, he could see the ground all around the farmer was still smoldering from the crossfire that ended the battle.  There he was, sitting in the middle of the field as if nothing had ever happened.  Staring at the mountains, off in the distance, as if seeing them for the first time.

“Sir, are you hurt? Can I help you?” the soldier asked, still scanning for insurgents.

“Water.” the farmer replied.

As the soldier reached for his canteen, he noticed the farmer had been mortally wounded.  There was blood flowing like a river, from just under his left shoulder blade where he had been shot.  

“An unfortunate casualty of the hell of war.” the soldier thought to himself.

As he handed the canteen to the farmer, he asked why he was smiling.

“Because I won.” he said with labored breath.

“I’m not sure I understand sir?” the soldier replied, feeling sympathy for the farmer.

“Frost was over three weeks ago son.” the farmer said, as he opened his clenched fist revealing a single seed of corn.

The farmer then took the seed and placed it deep into the rich soil before him.  With his left hand, he poured the canteen of water over it, covered it up with his right, and fell to his side as his final breath left his body.

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2 Comments
  1. Angela

    Legacy!! Yes, he did win.
    It only takes one seed for life or a dream to start growing and continue.

    When it is meant to be, there will always be water…. no matter what else is going on around it.

    So much hope wrapped in chaos and despair.
    I love this story!!

    • Adam King

      Thank you Angela. I had a lot of fun writing this. My favorite parts are always the hidden ones. For example, the best time to grow corn is two weeks after the last frost. Hence, the name. I like how the farmer finds this funny as related to his current circumstance. He’s in a way, laughing at the stupidity of humanity as well, while realizing nature (his true form) cannot be defeated no matter the ignorant outcome of his fellow man.

      Anyway, I’m sure there’s more in there too, but I’ll have to read it again. Truth be told, I just write these things and rarely know where they’re coming from or what they’ll be about. 🙂

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