Early spring tasks
Is there a name for the almost deadening tiredness that follows early spring tasks achieved:
the first ploughing;
the putting to rights of stone and ditch, fence and headland;
pruning out the passed year and preparing for the new season -
cut, squint, bend and burn?
Whatever its names I’ve had it:
the blind staggers;
hill’s hell’s ascent ;
the reluctant blaze;
the switch face-slapping fruit tree;
the frosty, incalcitrant stane.
Weary oh, oh weary oh,
muscles roused from long winter’s sleep pushed too fast, too far, too deep,
for sun’s sharp, short
and lingering tasks
before the rain
again
at last
starts to fall.
Cut, squint, bend and burn,
Cut, squint, bend and burn,
Cut, squint, bend and burn;
The quickening dull thunder
then spent of blood
Until night comes crisply in
and heavens
thankful
blaze.
Comments
Sign in or get an account to comment.