Today I watched a digger work
for half an hour. The lucky jerk.
he digs up dirt and tips it out
and he gets paid. I sometimes doubt
my calling as a teacher. True,
I get to make a difference to
a few
but sometimes all the aggravation
makes me long for cancellation
of the year ...if I could pay
my mortgage in another way...

I watched it while on road patrol.
It's springtime but, my word, it's cold.
I had to wear my gloves and boots
and watch the shorts-clad man. These brutes
who earn their money with no stress
are always much too tough to dress
in warmer gear. I watched and wondered
while a rubbish truck next lumbered
past to block my view. Another man
in shorts. The sun was giving me a tan
along my cheek but I still shivered
while dirt and rubbish was delivered.

And after school I went to view
a house my in-laws might pursue.
I liked the cuteness, oldtime style,
the outside got a ready smile.
The inside needed work of course
but I could live there. I endorse
the choice they made to make an offer.
Very low but so's our coffer.