Revealing

For three months a gypsy’s life,
finish one crop, move to another
berries – hops – tobacco.
The trick the old hands said, was a tree job
apples or pears – a solid 3 or 4 months,
not a few weeks like the vines and bushes.
The best came last –
an orchard at the tail end of the season.

Topography
rising
closing fist-like to the hills.
The sun came late and left early
when alone
and when light and shadow colluded
The Deliverance came to mind.

“Generous Mike,” we called the owner
example: serve lukewarm tea and coffee
“ you’ve finished your drink – back to work.”
Blood from a stone? Perhaps not,
but eight hours + 2, 3 or 4 minutes – everyday.
Later I learned of his large mortgage
half a million
when being a millionaire was still a landmark.

Five permanent staff and four seasonal –
an American midwife,
a cardiologist to be,
a Bank of Ireland economist on sabbatical
and a brand-new graduate.

One break time we asked about attractions
any recommendations?
We could go to the beachside campground
one replied,
and see people without clothes,
he often did – circuiting slowly in his car.