Conditions

by Jan Hassmann

An autumn toll from Mum, in tears.
Dad’s got another thing.

You’d think past years of gleaning
and three kids in the arts,
a man can let down sleeves
and guard.

But only seasons ripen without toil,
and bitter soil feeds only prudence.

Dragging droughts drink deeper draughts!
is what dads say,
and a father’s wisdom never falters.

The rain barrel is full,
and the wasps are thriving,
feasting on the lustrous wine.

Jan Hassmann toils in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. His words have appeared in HAD, Maudlin House, BULL, Revolution John, Blood & Honey and elsewhere. He’s on X: @ItsJanHassmann.