Last Day Of May Poem by John Kopowski

He wades through a sea of mist as the single wheel tracks through the grass
A trail is left showing the path he has taken
Another grain of sand passes through the hourglass
A full day ahead for this tall, bent groundsman

Sunlight now shines from a zenith point
Temperature heightened forcing birds to become still
From his forehead sweat runs as if God's hand did anoint
Even on this hot, May day, remains a chill

Sits in longing comfort under the shade of great father oak
From his bag he removes a flask and foil wrapped pack
He feels a strength overcome him, as if to him God had spoke
only managing a sip and a bite in what become only a snack

Smelling new blossom, shoots and compost whilst busying in his garden
Gasping for a beer, and a chair to rest his feet
A seat in this hard worked patio for this hard worked groundsman
Exhausted to the point that he hears his own heart beat

The lateness of day heralds the sunsets blood, spilling through the clouds
Thoughtfully, he wonders how many sunsets remain for him to see
But, surrounds this man, a greenness of life, which enshrouds
reminders of many years of strength, achievement and ability

Rich warm colours reflect in those eyes that once were so bright
and as the sun disappears behind the thickness of the leaves
the remainder of the day retreats into twilight
leaving only memories of natures dawn as it unweaves

Longingly, God's thick blanket is pulled across the sky
His attempts to stand is like a mountain to climb
The sky's glow slowly is removed from the groundsman's eye
He finishes his beer for the very last time