A.P. Herbert
Salute the ladies of the land
Who fight with spade and plough,
The girls who keep the tractors manned,
And conquer bull or cow!
Salute the soldiers of the soil
Who joined the Big Parade
For to plough and sow, to reap and hoe,
And to be a farmer’s maid.
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Analysis (AI Assisted)
This poem stands as a tribute to the women who, in times of war or hardship, step into roles traditionally reserved for men, particularly in agriculture. It praises their strength, resilience, and essential contribution to the workforce, especially in times when their efforts are necessary to sustain life on the home front.
The opening lines, “Salute the ladies of the land / Who fight with spade and plough,” establish the central theme of respect and admiration for women in the agricultural sphere. The word “fight” here is particularly significant—it elevates the act of farming to something akin to battle. These women, like soldiers, are in a struggle, but instead of weapons, they wield “spade and plough.” The imagery of working the land is tied directly to sustaining life, feeding families, and ensuring the survival of the community, especially during wartime when food security and self-sufficiency are critical.
In the following lines, “The girls who keep the tractors manned, / And conquer bull or cow,” the poet further reinforces the idea of women assuming roles that are often regarded as masculine. Operating tractors and working with livestock were traditionally male-dominated tasks, and by highlighting these, the poem calls attention to the bravery and adaptability of women who step into these demanding roles. The phrase “conquer bull or cow” adds an additional layer of admiration, as it not only acknowledges the laborious nature of farm work but also presents it as a victory over challenges, emphasizing the women’s power and determination.
“Salute the soldiers of the soil” builds on this idea by equating these women to soldiers, further linking the themes of war and survival with agricultural labor. This comparison suggests that, just as soldiers fight on the front lines, these women fight on the home front to ensure the nation’s survival. They, too, are warriors, contributing to the overall effort of the country, albeit through different means.
The poem ends with a playful and affectionate reference to the “farmers’ maid,” connecting the women’s hard work to an idealized, romantic notion of the agricultural life. The “Big Parade” mentioned likely refers to national wartime efforts, where men went off to fight, and women took up the mantle of agricultural work, symbolically marching into this new, vital role in the war effort.
Overall, the poem is an uplifting and empowering recognition of women’s labor, often overlooked or underappreciated. It shifts away from the traditional narratives of women in domestic roles or the home front to celebrate their direct and essential contributions to the agricultural sector. In this way, it honors their strength, versatility, and the indispensable nature of their work, making it clear that their role is no less important than that of the soldiers on the battlefield.