The groundsman in shorts and T-shirt
Lithe, tanned
Isolated behind his earphones
Pushes his noisy mower
Around the lawns of the complex
Sheering large areas under the trees
Shaving the walkways
Skirting the flower beds.
I watch from my window
And I smile.
The man is dancing!
Wheeling the machine like a partner
With precise footwork
In effortless turns and spins.
I doubt he knows how fine he looks.
But maybe he does.
He's young!
Cynthia Buell Thomas, June, 2019
A balancing act that is perfectly described with a frisson of the lingering on the aesthetics..of work. So many skills require the strength and precision that let the spirit free which in your case is always sprightly Cynthia !
'Voyeurism' never crossed my mind! But, yes, I have to accept that, in the broad sense. I saw only 'beauty' in another human being, an unconcious activity that was captivating in its skill and innocence.
Devon Brock
Mon 24th Jun 2019 22:31
Sheering shaving skirting dancing wheeling. Oh how I love the gerunds. This is voyeurism without a hint of creepiness. Nicely done, Cynthia.
A beautiful image here Cynthia. I wonder if he would have been embarrassed if he had known he was being watched. or maybe he wouldn't have cared.
nice one
Cynthia, the young never appreciate their own beauty until they lose it. This is a clever appreciation of the 'dance' that workmen often perform unknowingly.
Just couldn't resist. He made my day!
The prior morning, I tossed toffees out the window to the window cleaner, and he lifted up a glorious smile. Of course, I did ask him if he liked toffees before I threw them. I don't just pelt candy out on the street. Although, that's a thought! But, I'd probably have the police at my door!
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Devon Brock
Tue 25th Jun 2019 22:24
Cynthia, I must apologize for my previous comment given the dictionary definition of "voyeurism." I believe I chose the wrong word. I hope you didn't think that I read anything sordid in your poem. David's comment made me rethink what I was intending to say. So let me rephrase - a beautiful observation on form and movement sans the sometimes voyeuristic vibe that some poems in this style evoke.