Harvest What You Sow

Chapter 9

Henry and I have been soul mates for ten years. He is a marvelous, genuine, inspiring human being. Our passionate lovemaking fires up on many occasions. We don’t try to put the fire out. Henry never really left the farm after his first visit in 1967. He continued to live in Poplar Bluff that school year but came to the farm often except when he returned to Springfield to visit his mother. His mother passed away in 1968 and shortly after her funeral he moved in with me full time. The following year he got a job teaching at Arcadia Valley High School where I graduated. He was the lead counselor and taught social studies and history. When he was hired the student body had six Native Americans.

The school’s principal was a veteran and had nothing good to say about the military or the increasing conflict in Vietnam. Even though both of Henry and I were the right age neither Henry, because of his profession, nor me had to serve in the Army. I was called before the draft board twice but made a case that I was a farmer which go me a deferment.

Jerry Bailey decided he didn’t want to run for the Assembly when the representative from Reynolds County retired. He kept his job with the Missouri government. He was promoted to Chief of Security for the newly elected Governor Teasdale. He bought a new condo in Jeff City. We only occasionally saw him at the farm but we did visit him in Jeff City several times. He showed us around the capitol and took us places tourists don’t usually get to go.

During my first year managing the farms Ray died from the blood infection. After that there were several meetings with the Bart Jasper and Jerry Bailey regarding the disposition of the Jasper farm. Jerry decided to buy the Jasper place because Bart was willing to finance the deal for ten years. While Bart’s visits were supposedly about business he and Jerry seemed to find private time in the basement on the rare occasions when they were both visiting us. Jerry stopped his all male summer parties for a couple of years. When the Governor was not reelected Jerry went to work as a lobbyist. His sexuality was never exposed as far as I knew and his all male parties restarted.

With Jerry’s purchase of the Jasper farm Henry and I were offered the position of co-farm managers. It was decided that for the first few years we would only keep the horses. That meant Henry and I could travel. I would load the horses in my horse trailer and board them at a friend’s farm. We wanted to go places and not just watch the grain grow. We rented out most of the tillable land but kept our two regular fields for alfalfa and oats which we rotated every year. Most years we could sell some of the hay but still have enough for the horses.

We traveled to the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone one summer and another summer we went to Washington, DC and Philadelphia. We camped some of the time and, when we could, would find one of the few gay, nudist campgrounds.

When Henry started school in the fall of 1968 shortly after the traditional Osage burial ritual for his mother I decided I had to do more to stay in shape. I was envious of Henry who looked stately without doing anything except stacking bales of hay. I was noticing my middle was beginning to hang over my belt. With a weight bench we bought at a garage sale I set up a workout space in the barn. In addition to the weight training I scheduled a four mile run three times a week. Within a few months my body was firmed and I was feeling healthier.

Henry insisted that I go to college. I wasn’t too keen on the idea but found an agricultural management program at the Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff. I was able to get my associates degree in two years. That kept me busy for a couple of years.

We made a big decision in Henry’s second year living with me. We decided to announce that we would start the Jasper Farm’s Campground. Initially, we had a professional sign painter paint a big sign announcing ‘Jasper Farm’s Campground, Clothing Optional Pool, Reservations Only, 573-665-2341. In early May we placed the sign by the river in clear view of the canoeists. We built a sturdy wooden dock and stairs that were securely anchored into the steep bank leading up to the top. We hoped the stairs would withstand spring time high water. We laid out an area where canoeists would pitch their tents. We built a fire ring with railroad tie seats and an enclosure around the latrine we dug.

We didn’t receive any inquires for a few weeks until a canoe outfitter from up river called and asked if he could camp with a co-ed group of ten or twelve. We discussed the price which he agreed to. I told him that the pool was available but explained that we considered the pool clothing optional. He said he would let the group know. As our first customers we were pleased that they loved the setting and were respectful of the land and our horses. The pool wasn’t used. One couple asked if we would consider renting the basement on a short-term basis. We hadn’t thought about it and saw no reason not to since the room had a door leading to the pool deck. We decided to install a bolt lock on the door that led downstairs. That would insure our privacy.

That spring an auction was held at the Jasper’s place. Most of the farm implements were auctioned off except for the tractor and harvester. We decided to keep the Jasper house functional and rent it out. Instead of long term rental we decided to make it available as part of our campground. I sent the couple who had inquired about renting the basement a note suggesting that we also had the house available for rent. Three days a week Henry was away in Springfield taking classes toward his master’s degree. I kept the resort operation to a minimum. Clark and his boyfriend, Chaz, joined me when school was out for two weeks that summer.

Clark was a handsome, warm, helpful young man as was Chaz, his lover, who was shorter than Clark. The fellow had black hair and a dark mood. I didn’t say much because Clark seemed to adore him. Clark had not lost his interest in having sex with me which I discussed with Henry. Henry suggested that we were both young and an occasional adventure outside our wonderful relationship was probably a good thing. That meant I had frequent three ways with Clark and Chaz during their visit. They were passionate young lovers.

Starting in July the canoe outfitter, whose name was Jeremy, camped with a group usually every other weekend. Rather than bring the food in the canoes his girlfriend, Shelia, would drive their beat up van over and set up a small tent for fixing and serving the food. Jeremy and Shelia were hippies and had no inhibition swimming naked even when their guests did not.

Henry was initially shy when it came to swimming naked with anyone except me. When he took his clothes off he was a magnificent specimen who the women especially appreciated but he was self-conscious. As the summer progressed he got more comfortable and I began to think he enjoyed showing off. At Jeremy’s invitation Henry spoke to the canoeists gathered around the fire ring one evening about the traditions and culture of the Osage Indians. I listened proudly as he spoke openly about the hardship of the Indian experience and what the white settlers did to the Indian people. Respectful questions were asked by several campers. There was a downside to Henry’s reflections. For the next two days he was irritable and depressed.

His talk gave me another idea to promote of our campground. I put a flyer on the bulletin board at several outfitters announcing an early October fire ring and describing Henry’s inspirational talks. While we didn’t close after Labor Day campers were intermittent which was fine with us. I had intentionally did require reservations and was surprised when twenty campers showed up.

After the success of that weekend I built a more permanent structure for groups to use for cooking and gathering. I designed and built a regular outhouse and ran an underground water line to the structures. Our expenditures were minimal. We were careful to pay all appropriate taxes since we were no longer a farm but a commercial business. Jerry insisted that we do that. At the beginning of 1969 he asked us to pay rent to help him pay for the mortgage on the Jasper’s place.

Asking for rent prompted me to advertise more broadly with a print ads and flyers for the Jasper Farm’s Resort. In addition to placing announcements at the canoe outfitters and local bulletin boards I ran an ad in the gay newspapers in St. Louis, Kansas City and Memphis. Reservations began coming in almost immediately. I found a source for bulk firewood so I could sell wood to the campers. I usually didn’t take reservations for more than twelve campers at a time. On two occasions I made an exception for a large gay group who reserved the entire resort. The group came in trucks and cars rather than canoes. They set up tents and many wore black leather harnesses and leather jock straps. The downstairs shower was going constantly with men doing more than showering. The pool was full of bare asses that weekend both night and day. Our only requirement was no glass beer bottles on the pool deck. Jerry knew the group was coming and joined in as soon as he got to the farm.

The Jasper’s house became known in the area as a place that a large family could rent for the holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas the house was full of merriment and joy. With the help of our cleaning lady, Janie, we decorated for the holidays. People began to reserve a year in advance. Once we enlarged the bathroom with a shower and additional toilet we got wonderful reviews from our customers.

When Henry finished his master’s degree in 1971 he was offered the position of assistant principal of his middle and high school in Ironton. I was extremely proud of him. He decided to cut his beautiful long hair and become a spokesman, of sorts, for the small but visible Native American group in the county. He donated his hair to a charity that makes wigs for children suffering from cancer. He was called upon to give presentations on the history and culture on not only the Osage Indians but also the other tribes that occupied the Midwest. I heard his presentations occasionally and was amazed how he could be so blunt and not get angry reactions from the audience. I was the one who suffered the consequences of his talks.

During the spring of 1972 our lives changed drastically. Henry asked me if I would allow him to become a foster parent to two young Indian boys from his school. I didn’t know what was required but trusted that he knew what he was doing. The two boys, at that time, ten and twelve had been in foster care since they were young. They had been abandoned by their father who was an irresponsible alcoholic. When I met the boys they seemed angry but respectful when they came for their first visit. Henry was calm but stern as they explored the farm. We had added a new horse because Jerry’s bay was too old to ride. The boys begged Henry to let them ride. He led Nate, the older boy, around the close-in pasture and I led the horse that the ten year old, Jamie was riding.

At bedtime Jamie refused to go to bed without Nate. Henry didn’t insist and let Nate make the decision. They stayed up with us through the ten o’clock news. Nate pushed Jamie down the hall. When I suggested a shower, Nate said, “We’re not dirty.” That’s all that was said. Later we opened their door a crack to see Nate wrapped around his little brother. Monday morning Henry woke the boys and told them to get ready for school. Henry drove them because the school bus didn’t come out our direction.

That day I began to clean and filter the pool because we had our first big group coming over the Memorial Day weekend. I wanted the water to naturally heat as much as possible since using our propane gas heater was expensive. That got me thinking about how we were going to introduce the boys to the clothing optional pool. I called Henry at school to discuss the matter. He wanted to do the right thing and not traumatize the boys.

He told me that Nate had been the victim of some bullying. He thought it had to do with him being an Indian but he wasn’t really sure. Regarding ‘clothing optional’ we decided to be ourselves around the house. We decided that the boys’ seeing us naked in the bathroom was how we would start. We would honor their desire for privacy if that’s what they wanted. Their education started that evening.

After dinner Henry sat with the boys as they did their homework. I excused myself to take a shower. I didn’t close the door and heard pee falling into the toilet and looked out from behind the shower curtain. There was Jamie with his pee flowing from his little uncut dick. He looked at me and smiled, “Can I take a shower?”

“Sure let me finish up. Get undressed and I’ll be out in a minute.” He didn’t question my directions and was naked except for this dingy, grey underpants when I stepped out. His amazed voice said, “Sam, you have a big dick.”

“You’ll grow, you’ll see.” He turned and pulled his pants down keeping his little dick from my sight. I picked up his clothes and put a clean towel on the sink. I assumed he would wrap a towel around himself when he was finished.

Instead he walked naked into the living room and addressed his brother, “Nate, you should see Sam’s dick. It’s huge.”

“Shut up, little brother, get some clothes on.”

Henry took that as an introduction, “Nate and Jamie, we are pretty open around here.”

“Yeah, I saw you guys sleeping together. Are you gay?” Nate inquired.

“I was going to tell you later, but, yes, Sam and I are partners. Some people at school would be shocked so I would appreciate it if you kept that information between us. I don’t think ole Dr. Nelson, the president of the school board, would approve. He’d probably fire me.”

“Jamie and me we won’t say anything ‘cuz we like it here.” I stood at the door in my white boxers and tee shirt listening to the exchange. That was all that happened the first night of our ‘clothing optional’ education.

A couple of nights later at dinner Henry said, “Nate, I saw some fellows pushing you around in the hall. What was that about?”

Looking down at the table Nate said softly, “They called me a half-breed freak. Don’t worry I didn’t do anything.”

“Well, if I see it again I will intervene. I’m afraid if I give them detention it will only make matters worse. What do you think I should do?”

“Don’t do anything ‘cuz we only have two more weeks of school. Maybe they’ll grow up over the summer.”

“OK, let me know if I need to do something. I trust your judgment.”

After school on most days the boy’s treat was riding the horses. They were naturals and Henry taught them how and what to feed the horses, how and why to wipe down the horses after their ride, and how to clean the stalls. Both boys were willing to do anything for the horses. One evening after they had put the horses away they came onto the pool deck where Henry and I were enjoying a beer. Jamie said, “Sam, we saw that sign by the river. What’s ‘clothing optional’?”

“I’m glad you asked because as you know we have campers coming next weekend. They’ll pitch their tents out in the field that you guys helped us mow. One or two couples will be staying in the basement. The pool is almost warm enough for swimming. Do you want to swim?”

“Nate and I don’t swim very much. We’re not very good,” Jamie said.

“Speak for yourself, little brother.”

I said, “Well, we’ll show you what ‘clothing optional’ means.” I got up and dropped my shorts and tee shirt. Henry did the same. I couldn’t take my eyes off of Henry because he was so magnificent in the soft glow of the setting sun. The boys stood silently until Jamie sat down to take off his boots, socks, jeans, baseball hat, and shirt.

As he pulled his underpants down he said, “So that’s what ‘clothing optional’ means.” He jumped in as Nate stood watching the three of us in the pool. It was obvious he didn’t know what to do. He stripped off his clothes except for his underpants and jumped in.

“Whoa, it’s cold!”

Neither Henry nor I said anything as we splashed around. As the four of us stood at the shallow end of the pool I said, “Boys, we never know what the canoeists will do so don’t be surprised if you see boys, girls, men or women swimming naked in the pool”

Nate said, “Girls, too.”

“Rarely, but I’m sure you’ll see Shelia naked if it’s warm enough. She’s the partner of the guy who is the canoe outfitter.”

“Can we canoe down the river, sometime?” Jamie asked. I smiled and nodded my head. When we got out no one had towels and the air was cool. We went into the house carrying our clothes. I was aware for the first time the black hair growing under Nate’s arm pits so I assumed it was growing around his dick. I would have to wait another month to know for sure. Without knocking I walked into the bathroom and found Nate with his pants down rubbing his rather substantial member. I apologized but thought it was strange that he hadn’t completely closed the door. He looked surprised but didn’t stop as I closed the door to give him privacy.

Two days later on Saturday Henry and Jamie had gone to the big supermarket in Farmington with a long list of things to buy. Nate and I were home. He came into the kitchen blushing, “Sorry about the other day, Sam, I meant to lock the door.”

“I wasn’t thinking when I walked in without knocking. I apologize.”

“Don’t worry about it. You’ll probably see me do it again. I jack off as often as I can. Do other guys do that, too?”

“I know, I did at your age.”

“Do you still do it?”

“I really don’t need to because I have Henry to do it for me. That’s what gay partners do for each other.”

“Would you ever do it for me? I want to see what it feels like.”

“Let me talk to Henry and see what he thinks.”

“Don’t tell little brother.”

“No, he’s too young but not for much longer.”

From that point on we began to see Nate’s bare butt and occasionally his dick in the bathroom. Our house was relaxed with the July 4th holiday approaching. We had a full list of reservations for the house, the basement and the field. The pool was filled with all shapes and sizes of people some naked and some not. It was Nate’s job to monitor the chlorine level in the pool because we didn’t want anyone getting sick. Jamie became Shelia’s constant helper in what we called the pavilion. He told her he wanted to plant a garden but she convinced him it was too late for this year. When Shelia told me I told Jamie we would definitely do that next spring.

By mid-August Henry was thinking about the start of school. The boys were complaining about going back to school. Before school started Jamie asked to visit their grandmother in Springfield. Nate didn’t want to go but Jamie did so Henry drove him there for a week’s visit. Henry stayed overnight with one of this friends before returning for meetings at school the next day.

One Sunday in mid-August Nate and I watched as the last canoeist leave. We went out to clean up and bring the trash closer to the house. He checked on the horses before returning to the house. I was sitting by the pool under the umbrella. Nate came up behind me and put his hands on my shoulders. I could feel his dick against my neck. I didn’t turn around and let him caress my shoulders. Henry and I had agreed after I caught Nate masturbating to let things develop on his schedule. I assumed this was the second step in satisfying his curiosity. I heard him take a deep breath. I turned to look at him. His black hair was long and shaggy. Black pubic hair surrounded his substantial uncut cock. His dick quickly stuck straight out but he didn’t move. Without rubbing, in what seemed like seconds, he shot a white stream over my bare leg without touching himself. He looked at me, smiled but said nothing.

When Henry got home I related what happened. He wasn’t surprised and suspected that he wouldn’t have the same experience since Nate saw him in his authority position. Over the next five years Nate developed into a handsome, polite young man. He graduated from high school and decided not to go too far so enrolled in the two year community college in Farmington. Unfortunately, his little brother didn’t fare so well.

Before Jamie’s visit to his grandmother in Springfield was over Henry received a call from the grandmother asking if Jamie could go to school in Springfield and live with her. Jamie explained to Henry that he had met some nice kids his age. His grandmother said she was happy to have Jamie stay if Henry could help her with some money to take care of Jamie’s needs. Henry reluctantly agreed. Nate strongly opposed the decision.

In the intervening years Jamie got in constant trouble at school and with the police. He and two friends began shoplifting and before long they held up a convenience store on the west side of Springfield. That landed him in a juvenile detention center. Henry constantly spoke of his regret for letting Jamie stay in Springfield but I reassured him it probably didn’t matter. Nate rarely spoke of Jamie. I heard him crying a couple of times after he spoke with Jamie. He was always going to be Jamie’s big brother. Nate, who was eighteen, had a soft spot in his heart for Jamie.

Nate not only was successful in school but he became dedicated to body building. When Henry was at a conference or meeting Nate was in my bed. I taught him all I knew about man-to-man sex. He could be passionate but it seemed to me he was trying to decide if being gay was the path he wanted to take. When he graduated from high school I still didn’t think he had decided.

Nate, like Henry, loved to ride or walk to our favorite spot above the river. The three of us would ride regularly in the spring and fall to enjoy the beauty of the place. Nate and Henry spoke of their Native American heritage in mystical terms as they experienced the woods and the flowing water of the river. On several occasions Nate would dress in a stunning native costume that he made himself and tell stories that he had heard Henry tell our campers. Henry was very proud of what Nate had become.

My relationship with Henry has grown over our ten years together. He became principal of the high school and spoke longingly about his desire to wear his hair braided on both sides of his head. He never did. The only change I saw was an occasional grey hair that found its way to the side of his magnificent face. Everyday I’m thankful that four Indian boys decided to camp next to Joel and me ten years ago.