Friday, August 7, 2026

Close, dry, forward

You will head out to town while the sun starts to rise and load fewer feed sacks than the herd really needs. You will calculate months in your head with shut eyes while the hot tar smells strong in the dry overgrown weeds.

Building

You will stand by the fence where you stood in the past, with the clouds piling high while the rain's coming fast.

Drums enter

When the summer heat bakes on the truck hood so red, you will count up the bags that you have to make stretch. There is no easy way to get further ahead when you owe for the hay that you went out to fetch.

Then your phone’s going to ring and you’ll answer the call, and the bank man will say that the credit is done. Your old neighbour will walk across grass by the wall while the glare off the windshield turns white in the sun.

Building

You will stand by the fence where you stood in the past, with the clouds piling high while the rain's coming fast.

When the summer heat bakes on the truck hood so red, you will count up the bags that you have to make stretch. There is no easy way to get further ahead when you owe for the hay that you went out to fetch.

He will ask if you’re selling the calves in the fall, and the wind in the trees is just moving the top. You will finally answer and tell him it all, how the feeding has got to come down to a stop.

When the summer heat bakes on the truck hood so red, you will count up the bags that you have to make stretch. There is no easy way to get further ahead when you owe for the hay that you went out to fetch. You will tell him today that the pasture is sold, and you won't hide the truth that was never yet told.

resolve normally

Close, dry, forward

Sparse vocal, wordless in places

Gravel crunches slow under the rolling truck wheels Shadows of the oaks are stretching over the grass Not since the burial have I stood on these steps Hear the banging latch of the old screen door again

Drums enter

Now the shift is done and all the crew has gone home Dusk is driving out the final glow of the sun No more sunny hours left to complete the day's work Only darkness waiting as I turn the front latch

Building

You pull up beside me in the company truck You pass me the brass key through the window and leave Smell of hot tar fades as you drive off down the road No more time to stall before I open the door

Now the shift is done and all the crew has gone home Dusk is driving out the final glow of the sun No more sunny hours left to complete the day's work Only darkness waiting as I turn the front latch Sun has gone away behind the edge of the trees Iron latch clicks shut against the wooden door frame

resolve normally