MAN RAKING LEAVES

Does the music begin when he

softens the hearts of the men by the gate?

Or does it begin when he turns around

to see if she follows? Breathing

through agony will give you

all you're seeking but resolution.

Passing through towns he stops

at diners, on the interstate

he pulls off in wheat fields.

He only listens. He makes no calls.

These he has given up.

The word, once blessed, abhorrent.

He looks around.

He makes so many stops.

Jim Bodeen

31 October 2017