Kansas Summer Wind
Growing up is never easy, most of the time we fumble through childhood without any direction. Some of us are lucky enough to have a magical place to go to free us from the fears of childhood. Mine happened to be in the wind swept – heartland of America in Western Kansas. Grandpa and Grandma’s farm without a doubt was the best memories of being a youngster when up until I was 13 years old and I would spend my summers there. The funny thing is – you never realize it while you are living those moments. It only really sinks in after you become an adult. I wrote this poem – in my later years when I was traveling through Kansas – and not to Kansas. It was during the wheat harvest and my window was down and the smell of Kansas reminded me of what was. Those days on the farm were truly my wonder years of my youth.
“Kansas Summer Wind”
The Kansas summer wind steadily blowing in from the north,
Smell of wheat, heat, moisture, and memories – all of it comes forth.
So many reminiscences to try and remember – so many years,
On the Kansas summer wind – youthful recollections reappear.
Defending our tree house, childhood wars – won and lost,
Countless dirt clods, pretend hand grenades were tossed.
Grandpas, Grandma’s, Cousin’s, Uncle’s, and Aunt’s,
All parts of the magical summer for this tyke in short pants.
4th of July, Grandma’s chicken – fireworks at the Lane County fair,
All of this, wonderful recalls have brought forth riding the wind – the air
Young days when fireflies sparked the night and watermelon’s had seeds,
Summers on Grandpa and Grandma’s farm meet this little boy needs.
Countless years later traveling through the Kansas, western plains,
The summer wind, smell of Kansas, all the love – in my mind still remain.
The Kansas summer wind steadily blowing in from the north,
Smell of wheat, heat, moisture, and memories – all of it comes forth.
By Kurt James
Kurt James © 2017
Where to buy Kurt James novels:
https://www.amazon.com/Kurt-James/e/B01DTOJ7KC/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1507115477&sr=1-1
Soon to be released my first book of poetry:
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like to thank John Hansen from Australia who created Creative Exiles – a website to give the freedom of expression to some amazing poets from around the world.
Kurt James the master of western adventures has finally released a poetry book that is uniquely Colorado. In these pages you will find tidbits, thoughts, history, mystery, ghosts, things that go bump in the night, and of course poetry of the fascinating and beautiful state of Colorado. These poems and thoughts are those you would hear in the autumn sitting and watching the red and the orange embers float and dance on the air above the campfire close to timberline in the Rocky Mountains with friends and family. You will experience the mountain melodies of the midnight wind and the tree whispers. Explore the haunted legends of the old gold and silver camps of Central City, Blackhawk, Silver Plume and Saint Elmo in the remote mountains. Some of what you will read will make you laugh, cry, smile, and say what the heck, but all will make you want to travel the same roads of these pages. If you live in Colorado you need this book – if you don’t live in Colorado this book will make you want to move there.
The Denver Post, PM Magazine, and 9NEWS, all well-known Denver, Colorado media sources, have highlighted the powerful and evocative work of poet and novelist Kurt James. Focusing on Old West history, Kurt contributes feature articles to HubPages and Creative Exiles, exploring the eerie silence of ghost towns, the thrilling tales of outlaws and gunfighters, and the evocative imagery found in the Rocky Mountains.
Kurt’s early admiration for writers such as Jack London, Louis L’Amour, and Max Brand played a significant role in honing his skills as a storyteller. Twenty-one books (and counting!) transport readers to the Colorado Rockies and the Old West through Kurt’s vivid descriptions; the feel of rough-hewn cabins, the sounds of coyotes howling under starry skies, and the smells of campfire smoke and sagebrush are all palpable.
Find Kurt James novels, short stories, reference books, and poetry—published by Midnight Wind Publishing—in print copies or digital downloads at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, and other excellent bookstores; explore the diverse range of formats available.
Currently in production - The 10th book in his Rocky Mountain Series - Lee Moomaw Former Lawman.
Kurt is a proud member of the Western Writers of America, a group that values storytelling.
- Riding the Timberline - May 26, 2025
- Digging up Dreams - September 16, 2024
- As the Years Roll By - November 15, 2023
Wonderful childhood memories. Delightful poetry.
Thank you Rasma for stopping by…
How well I remember the sounds and smells on a farm. The smell of wheat wafting on the breeze is never forgotten. Great piece with that wonderful nostalgic feeling. Well done, Kurt.
Yes it is the smells that sometimes bring the most pleasant memories .. Thanks for stopping by Phyllis
Wonderful memories Kurt, those that stay with us vibrantly for life. A heartwarming write of those unforgettable childhood summers. Cheers!
Thanks Tony… yes, those years were truly my wonder years..
I grew up in Wyoming but would often go to Kansas to spend time with my grandparents. This poem reminded me of those times. I still remember the wheat, spitting watermelon seeds, and summer fun. Beautifully written!
Thank you for stopping by Tammy and glad you enjoyed the piece.