Chores in the grape arbor

Grandpa
Originally uploaded by rev_justin.

The elk come down almost every night
and have their way with the garden.
My work today here is a minor detail.
The elk, they do it to survive.

We have that much in common.

Since we've been here, the grape arbor has rotted away.
The two grisled vines are now wooden geysers sprung from the mud,
free to grow uncontrolled, unexpected.

These vines are just a detail in my life.

As I walk from the shed to the vines, hacksaw in hand,
it suddenly hits me.

I hope the apologies I have made
stick.