Glade
for SEA
the woodcutter
never gets it —
while he sleeps
firewood seasons
Where the tall hemlock
crashed down in the woods
taking away its shade
now a sunshine
with only benevolence
runs along its spine
work clothes off
back into a skirt
you show me
at supper where
the log today
bruised your shin
right behind
and nearly under
the truck we spread
the Mexican blanket
to take a nap be-
tween cutting wood
because the sunshine is there
the apple today
isn’t as tasty as
the apple yesterday
you packed for me
at lunch when we
break from wood-
cutting and the two
chocolate kisses you
never forget to bring
the same time
we are cutting
all this wood
the tomatoes
back at home
are ripening
the ash trees by the truck
are so willowy and tall I
hate to cut them down
to dry that way through
fall, winter, spring and I
will visit them again by
summer with my saw
meaning business
I can’t help but stop
to rest and sink my
woodsmear hands
while hugging you
down inside your
overalls and now
your smile at my
touch of the
silkiest things
without looking —
too busy with axe
chain saw, wooded ground tumble
we hear hawk, bluejay, sparrow, owl
chickadee & a few things unknown
It’s a glade we rough out from
blowndown oak and maple trees
woodcut and hand-split circle
of sunshine and scrabble
we could almost call it home
before we hiked in for a look
then drove in getting serious
with chain saw and tools
everything was just fine
(and rotting)
I said
we could make love
right on the tailgate
33 years
somehow never done
she said she would
but in the deepest green woods
someone could be watching
I can split red oak on the run
rock maple with three whacks
I dream about it now
—————————————
BOB ARNOLD
I'm In Love With You
Who Is In Love With Me
Longhouse 2012
