i dig my fingers into the ash

and till the soil with my bones;

i become a farmer, a teacher, a repairman

and i sometimes take care of others --

which is the only thing

my father taught me.

maybe he knew i'd end up here,

but likely not;

after all is said and done 

people will do what they want,

and it so happened that father

wanted to care,

an absolute

aberration.

most people covet glory, 

to make their lives an Iliad, 

themselves like Achilles.

i am weary just looking at them:
every man and woman a conqueror,

departing on a crusade.

the one who tills the soil

and digs for water

has no desire to lead an army.