Leaning on Rake

By Richard L. Provencher

Tue, 26 Apr 2011

Leaves almost done,
their curled up edges

clumped in scattered
piles awaiting that rasp
of tines scraping
itself against hardened
lawn surface.

Footfalls from children
once tumbled
in delight as adults
barbecued burgers
when friends
inclined to visit

delivering gossip
from all directions.

Now he muses during a
restful watch, limbs
and breath coming
in shortened spasms
sweat no longer steaming

shifts from one foot
to the other
dear one about to call
him in for lunch

just one more sweep
beside the maple
should complete this
morning’s task

and he does in a
burst of satisfied
expression.