After the sun has set and the Tylenol has receded
\nenough to allow my arthritis back into the room,
\nI consider the temptation to gulp another Tylenofix,
\ninstead, settle onto good old couch and revisit satisfaction:
\nthe heft of the leaf-rake in my hands, the heat in my
\nshoulders and knees, the rhythm of consistent effort, and
\nthe combed lushness of the green lawn that emerged from the
\ntawny flakes of leaves that I garnered, piled and stuffed
\nlike dressing into oversize paper bags that I hauled and
\nset into rows under the carport, ready for their trip
\non Wednesday, to the city composter. <\/p>\n
Finishing the job motivated me far more than
\nI would have needed twenty or even ten years ago,
\nwhen I would do it because it needed doing, and I could.
\nNow I do it because it needs doing, and without
\nincident, as climbing up a roof or racing a car
\nor going off to find myself, would stir concern in
\nmy family: now I do it because finishing proves I still can.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Today, I raked leaves and bagged them before tomorrow’s rain. It was a good day. (#961) Continue reading