To Load Hay Bales (Montana 2000)
To Load Hay Bales
A
Celebrate each find
day in fields to bale hay
bend your knee to not harm back
usually grunt
to move each bale to the truck
somewhere in middle valley.
Above streak of clouds
valley sky seems large today
only smudge of white on blue
to load these hay bales
strong as the pine near foothill
our shadows cover this field.
Blisters on sore feet
a comfort in good deep work
another night of restful sleep
to dream of each dawn
fresh hot coffee in morning
embraced by Rocky Mountains.
Lift move lift again
sour smell around edges
forward movement like red ant
into complex dust
each ear rings like high pitch bell
body hardens to
learns pace.
B
Turn and walk slowly
back on path to the truck bed
sudden cool breeze through short hair
such intense pleasure
as another bale lifted
pull of weight released from grip.
Remember city
“The City” San Francisco
heading over Golden Gate
to peer out on Bay
morning sun follows water
onto high rise reflections.
As the sweat drips down
to surround smell of covered straw
a lean and heave from the core
three feet of smashed grass
when strength breaks free and bale buckles
young and old throw bale on truck.
Feel past and future
leave through the top of our lids
only the struggle of now
few hours of day
then head home as the sun sets.
C
Lived on concrete street
enjoyed coffee from Deli
gems as hidden bookstores
with public transit
movement of constant walking
too many ghosts in cities.
Here comes a clatter
layer of hay in truck bed
move on truck rises too fast
each bale needs to stack
a heavy piece of puzzle
organized with metal hooks.
Turned fifty years old
here to move heavy hay bales
under the shade of mountain
as sun spans valley
grip with aged leather gloves
will finish job tomorrow.
Prefer the slow pace
collect hay bales for small farm
alone in a vast valley
fresh blisters on feet
to build hard callous fingers
“system of systems” behind.
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