I’m mowing the lawn of a home
that doesn’t exist yet. I understand
the undulations in the grass, how best
to trim where soil meets patio,
and I’m doing it all without headphones
distracting me from the sparrows.
My T-Shirt fits my shoulders perfectly.
All of my brothers are living
the lives they want to be living.
There are three children in the house
busy growing into people who will tell stories
about how I once delivered carpets
and refused to let them know
they are strong enough to tackle me to the
ground.

Carl Burkitt 2023