Green and Gold
There was something more in him than other men,
but there was also something missing. Known to sip
a little whiskey after his evening prayers, he wore
the same red faded moleskin shirt most every day.
He avoided political talk but would on occasion boom
the verse from Matthew about heavy burdens grievous
to be borne. He kept to himself after his wife Callie died
preferring only the company of her prized Airedale, Sue.
But he hired a boy to mow his lawn that golden summer.
As I cut those rows a sadness licked at my heels improving
my posture. I realize now he paid me in spades introducing
me to chicory coffee, and more of the difficult splendor.