Yard Work
Yard Work
A little wind makes leaves tumble, crawl along
the ground, and you hear the soft murmur
in treetops whisper into your hushed feelings.
Validity is found inside a wheelbarrow half-filled
with dry leaves; and you know death walks
somewhere behind you on the steep hill road.
He stops to kiss the ruby lips on mortality’s
innocent face right where the sawdust pile
is left on the stone walkway beside the barn.
You begin to sense its time to empty the crisp
leaves from the rusty barrow and to sweep
the dust piles clear from the stone pathway.
You may retire but the work is never finished;
there’s always a lawn to be mowed or more
steps to be swept clean along the rock paths.
.
.
.
© RH Peat 1/7/2012 1:21pm
Form: 5 tercets/ 15 lines
intent: The labor goes beyond.
I like the way you introduce the theme with almost a reverential air, yet still very grounded. A sensible approach to living and the tasks we all have before us as each day unfolds, moving inexorably towards our last days. I'm impressed with the pragmatism and nobility of this fine poem.
Everyone is assigned a role amd each end is a means to a genesis. The rusted wheels move all the time , the creaking sound is a reminder of mortality . The rustle of the leaves is the karma of the winds , just as the dextrous hands know the extent of mooing. No matter how many dust piles are removed , there are a few sand grains determined enough to grow back into dunes.
I was misreading what you were saying Kesav. A poet friend ... RH Peat
When I say one need not welcome death, I only agree with your concept on death and life, Ron. I do not mean otherwise!
As you say: "it's inevitable" Accept it don't be afraid of it. Welcome it each day. The moment you were born; you were meant to die. There is no escape. I'm not saying to end your life needlessly. What I'm saying is the spiritual lessons go beyond even death. That the labor of learning about the divine and eternal love goes beyond our bodies demise. Just a thought. A Poet friend..RH Peat
Death is inevitable...however, why should one go forward and welcome it? Let us make it wait...a beautiful write on theme death- rich with metaphors and allegory
a true poet/poet never retires... for immortality belongs to them only!
A solemn write Ron, with expert use of imagery to drive home a point poetically.....No one can really retire - Recommended
Ron , a nice symbolic poem ! I have retired but my work on my Book is not finished , it will keep me occupied till I can think & write ! Thanks for sharing , -Raj
I appreciate the word texture and slow, solemn rhythm. The poem seems to be saying that notwithstanding the imminence of death, the narrator must carry on with his tasks and responsibilities, though something will always be left undone, incomplete. It treats the theme in a Frostian way. I immediately thought of "Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening", though I'm well aware that his poem can be interpreted differently.
"there’s always a lawn to be mowed or more"... a fine line, kind sir. There is always more to do for a diligent hand. Man is here for a purpose and it's not supposed to be a cliche. And as long as we have our breath, let's not stop doing what is right.