Telehandler Ballet

Suzanne Morris

October 22, 2023

I watch from far away

on the darkening porch

as the big yellow telehandler

slowly disappears

behind red barn gables

then slowly...slowly...

emerges on the 

far side to

make a wide arch

around the broad field

slowly...slowly...

proud virtuoso...

in a gesture

of fond farewell

down a path to the

truck and trailer

that have come to

bear it away.

I remember you

spoke of the danger

riding so high in the

giant telehandler

how careful

you must be

to avoid tilting over.

But I wish I had noticed

before too late

how it moved with the

grace of a ballet dancer

and came to a halt so

slowly...slowly...

long slender arm

unfolding...

closed hand opening...

wish I had stood far away

on the darkening porch,

to notice the grace

whenever you drove it,

and tossed you a

rose bouquet.