Kris Vatter

Small and mighty cowgirl
claiming and naming
her bull calf, “Brownie”

Still riding on
 for justice
 taming what’s unfair or cruel
when youth explore identity.

Carrying something of the farmer
into colleges, family, 4-H
planting, cultivating young lives growing into citizens of the world.

Ending stagnation
One empowers another
Generating confidence and courage.

Resisting weeds that choke the flowers,
Freeing herself to grow:
She leads and learns,
 feeds and is fed.

Despite more dirty dishes at the end of the day,
Hope washes over her hands.