The Fallow Way

When I go into the United Way offices in Rutland I see these geese waiting, waiting in the Otter Creek. Thought of this song:

The Fallow Way

by Jimmy Webb

I'll learn to love the fallow way

When winter draws the valley down

And still the rivers in their storm

And freezes all the little brooks

Time when our steps slow to the song

Of falling flakes and crackling flames

Deep in the velvet of the night

The crystal time the silent times

I'll learn to love their quietness

While deep beneath the glistening snow

The black earth dreams of violets

I'll learn to love the fallow way

When all my colors fade to white

And flying birds fold back their wings

Upon my anxious wonderings

The sun has slanted all her rays 

Across the vast and harvest plain

My memories mingle in the dawn

I dream of joyful vagabonds

I'll learn to love the fallow way

And gather in the patient fruits

And after autumn's blaze and burn

I'll know the feel of still, deep roots

But nothing seemed to do or need

That crack the ice in frozen ponds

And slumbering in winter's folds

Have dreams of green and blue and gold

I'll learn to love the fallow way

And listen for the blossoming

Of my own heart once more in spring

As sure as time, as sure as snow

As sure as moonlight and of stars

The fallow time will fall away

The sun will bring an April day

And I will yield to Summer's way.