Random Thoughts

Our plan of life together
shattered with the fragility
of a layer of ice skimmed
from the water trough, dropped
on frosty ground. Who could guess
we would be separated so soon?
Now you lie where roots prosper,
I remain to harvest the topsoil
of the year’s crops. I do now what
a man does alone after he has shed
his tears, eaten his sorrow.
What I do for you I do mostly
for myself, keep the grass mowed
so that your bed looks clean and neat.
I lean on the mower handle and stare
at the horizon beyond which lies
who knows what country.
I gather my tools and drive home
while random thoughts keep me company.
When your last breath committed you
to silence, I burned with anger
at my helplessness, a humiliation
as shattering as when a plow point
strikes a buried stone.