Tractor Ted is not big enough for a buck rake
but is allowed to help squash the grass.
His square, green face is concentrating
on the job in hand, pushing every blade
down with animated precision. His smile
is drawn on by a human we’ll never meet
but it is as real as your tightening muscles,
twisting wrists and stamping feet
in rhythm to the background music.
You point like you invented the wheel.
You are alive and have invited your body
along for the ride.

© Carl Burkitt 2022