Come Closer
Once long ago in old Vermont
We stopped the car on a mud road
Into a village to ask directions from
Anyone we could find, and while you waited
In the car I went and stepped into a store, barely lit
And so dark and cavernous it seemed early-Spring-bear-like
As I finally saw a figure sitting in a rocking chair, a man,
And he asked out of the darkness how he might help
I’ll never forget that time nor that man, and of course
I have completely forgotten the name or place on the map
But it was real
Because —
A few years later, in the peach of summer, closer to home and
Again on an old road we stopped for directions, and this
Time I entered a hilltop farmhouse and could hear someone
Beckon to me to come closer down this sun dusty hallway
With the palest afternoon light, and by a corner woodstove
Sat a very old and rickety wood built man, ancient as the
Plaster walls, and he asked what he could do for me
Imagine!
When I stepped back out the door I saw the maple trees dark
Leafed, trapping summertime in their bonnets — while broad
Fields went to upper pastures shadowy lush and holding on
Holding on
for Richard Levasseur
After Chores
It’s just like her —
that small dish
of scented soap
at the big cast iron
kitchen farm sink
for smaller hands
Info
unshaved
bib overalls
grubby cap
in the fancy deli
for a pizza slice
sits with tourists
he once sawmilled
boards for me and I
haven't seen him in years
I said hello how you been are
you taking a break?
a break from what?
from work
I don’t know...are
you taking a break?
yup
from what?
from work
Bob Arnold
Yokel
Longhouse
2011
