Wood-Chopper

The wood-chopper earns
his rest arms heavy
with tired muscles. He
touches skin feeling
stiffness yet this effort
satisfies a need for
exercise making sure
children and a dear wife
are warm by the fire
this coolness of night.

He returns to his duties
and in the next hour
a busy wind keeps
company so he may
finish the task
of chopping wood.

In the evening after
fullness of food all sing
of joy and plenty
which enters home.
Thanksgiving prayers
were heard from
family as heads bowed.

© Richard L. Provencher