The Shade is a Blessing

The Shade is a Blessing

Especially for an old man 

on foot, limping 

with a walking stick 

where in the clearing 

the summer sun beats 

down even through 

the dirty straw hat.

A series of oaks, 

massive limbs covered 

with mossy fern fronds 

arching to make a near 

perfect  canopy 

over the dusty road.

The sandy red clay loam 

beckons for a sit 

in its coolness 

but he walks on 

in his shade, 

fearing a sit down 

would only mean 

a painful and feeble 

arising after awhile.