Furrows in the aching brow.
Furrows in the wakening earth.
Both scored deep by the power of the plough.

Furrows in the brow:
Following fault-lines,
Beaten into submission
By circumstance and situation -
An unattractive portrait of aging and suffering.

Furrows in the earth:
Parallel productivities in loam
Dug, dark and lifted
Aired, turned and shifted –
A masterpiece weave of technique and mystique.

One fruitless: turned astern - stunting pain and past history
The other fruitful: looking ahead - all growth and creativity.

Tony Jolley

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/furrows-2/