Ecclesiastes 3a

The service is about to begin in the small church
hidden among the pines, swamp, and stones
of northern Minnesota.

Two elderly farmers, dressed in coveralls
and canvas coats banter, one reaching the door
holds it open, calls back, "come on, Marty,
I'll wait for you
like one hog waits for another."

this expression is well-loved and well-used by these two,
worn smooth as a pitchfork's hickory,
and the laughter lifts course and sweet as hay
thrown from thin steel tines.

like a barn full of cattle, we are together this morning
warm with the first touch of spring,
and we receive the alms of the season.
the only purpose of our toil to be glad of good
to laugh for all our labors.