Friday, June 24, 2016

Poetry Friday: Summer Mowing

I've been reading summer poems at Poetry Foundation, and finding many lovely ones.  I love this one for the intimate picture of a father and son spending time together.  That's what my summer is about this year: focusing on moments with my family.  If I were looking at the world around me, I'd choose "things fall apart; the center cannot hold." Instead I'm deciding to enjoy this day and mow the part of the world where I can have an influence.  My mower may be a "makeshift contraption," but it's going to be a beautiful day anyway.



Summer Mowing
He has transformed
his Tonka dump truck
into a push mower, using
 
lumber scraps and duct tape
to construct a handle
on the front end of the dump box.
 
One brave screw
holds the makeshift
contraption together.
 
All summer they outline
the edges of these acres,
first Daddy, and then,
 
behind him
this small echo, each
dodging the same stumps,
 
pausing to slap a mosquito,
or rest in the shade,
before once again pacing
 
out into the light,
where first one,
and then the other,
 
leans forward to guide the mowers
along the bright edges
of this familiar world.


Here's today's roundup. 

10 comments:

Molly Hogan said...

This poem captures such a wonderful, tender moment with father and son. Thank you for sharing it.

Irene Latham said...

How sweet this poem is. Thank you, Ruth. And I love your view of mowing today. Do it. xo

Diane Mayr said...

along the bright edges
of this familiar world.


We must always remember those bright edges are there for the seeing! Happy mowing!

Doraine said...

What a wonderful image of this father and son. Or Father and daughter. A good choice, your poem and your mowing.

Brenda at FriendlyFairyTales said...

Wonderful poem. I have a photo of my hubby mowing, and my son with his play mower passing him. So adorable to remember than image.

Linda B said...

A loving poem, and design for life, Ruth. I do love all of it, but "this small echo" is so poignant. Have a happy time with family.

jan godown annino said...

"...first Daddy and then

this small echo..."

That image grabs my heart.
So lovely - appreciations for
this poem.

Tabatha said...

It feels as though we are all brave screws holding makeshift contraptions together...
Sweet poem, Ruth!

Carol said...

Such a powerful image of this little guy being shaped by his time with his dad.

Mary Lee said...

Enjoy your family-oriented summer!