A Shocking Controversy

By: Shirley Lovell

It's SHOCKING! No, STOOKING!, Now which should we say?,
Since both describe harvest the old fashioned way,
When grain has been cut and in bundles is tied
And stood up like igloos until it is dried.

I've heard when it's oats, the term STOCKING is used.
But SHOCKING's for corn, Now hows that to confuse?
Old timers insist that we get it correct,
Or find you will otherwise lose their respect.

With muscles and sweat and a pitchfork in hand
The biggest concern is in making them stand.
So what does it matter as long as they're set
All sturdy and solid through wind and through wet.

And after they've threshed and stored safe in the barn
All ready for winter, then who gives a darn.
So STOOKING or SHOCKING don't fret if they taunt,
Just go ahead call it whatever you want.

The Ingersoll Times, August 11, 1999