The story of a young man named Yertaya, who returned to his native village after many years of studying at a university in the capital. During this time, his younger sister Alima grew up and fell in love with a tractor driver. And now she has to prove to Yertai that she is already an adult and independent person.

The first post-revolutionary years in Kazakhstan, the period of formation of Soviet power. More than once, the bandits tried to deal with the singer of the people, the poet Erken, but could not silence him. It seemed that the earth itself kept him safe — he found shelter and help in the homes of the poor, escaped from prison, on the instructions of the Bolshevik committee, under the guise of a tramp, made his way to the south, explaining everywhere the advantages of Soviet power for the people. Erken carried his love for Aklima through his whole life. Having met her once in one of the villages, he could not forget a young woman whose fate was tragic.