Alex
Gardeners at work in walled garden. Engraving from Thomas Mawe and John Abercrombie, The complete gardener Date: 1776
To a dedicated groundsman
Up each day before six.
A stick insect with a fag in his face.
Taking coffee on his balcony
under spring sunrises
when weather permits.
A lighthouse in reverse
soaking up the light on his domain.
Not one blade of grass overlooked.
With a face like Herman Munster
on a good day, he descends stairs
with a regular meter.
Like an ancient grandfather clock.
Striding across fresh cut grass
his matchstick legs look ready to crack.
He is Ox-strong – fragility unseen.
The outside world his saviour.
Flowers and trees his universe.
A daytime workshop revealed
behind an open garage door.
King of someone else’s castle.
Down in the flowerbeds dirty-rascals.
Weeds ripped and hoed to oblivion
never stand a chance.
But Brer Rabbits are always welcome.
The sun goes down after a day
always the same
because it’s always different.
The cave is closed.
A thousand jobs completed
the cats are called.
Alex… from Alexander (a name that is Greek 100 percent, and means alex-andros he who keeps men away, like the other greek word alexikeravno what you know as lightning rod – an invincible name it’s always considered by some and by me a rather unfortunate name for girl alexandra)
this a very well constructed poem, had to google the rabbits and the name,
always the same
because it’s always different.
could work as always different although it’s always the same which is more tragic, as if Alex keeps new days away.
publishable work, well done!
Alex a strong name for a strong man…. yes
I like your suggestion I might consider using this alternative
“Always different and always the same”
Publishable?
You’re very kind, Nic 🙂
This poem is excellent Guaj; your use of language is sublime: ‘A stick insect with a fag in his face’ – perfect evocation. Definitely worthy of a nib in my humble opinion.
Thanks Dodge,
I’m pleased you like old Alex. Not sure about a nib, we’ll see (would be nice tho’)
I loved this poem. It caught that type of dying breed. The work ethic running through his bones and the total dedication and love for his tasks. The line that did it for me was “King of someone else’s castle’ That moved me deeply. A very insightful and bitter-sweet poem with some humour thrown in for good measure. I feel a better title would give the poem more oomph. To me a title is almost as important as the body of work. You want it to be unforgettable and although I shall remember so many bits of this I would… Read more »
Thank you very much for such a beautiful comment, Alison
I won’t forget the lovely things you said
In fact the person I based this on is called Alex
However maybe a different title could be used
Maybe something referring to his domain
I will have to think about it
Xxx
This is really a well thought out and constructed piece in my opinion. Well penned, my friend. It inspires nostalgic thought inside my mind – remembering dedicated people who crossed my path in passed times: Skilled craftspeople who plied their tasks for a completely different kind of remuneration than is the norm today.
Allen