Digging Ditches

Success, like love
is always hanging close
Can't be thrown and tied
before the bell
Not a rodeo event at all
you know
It slips up behind you
whistling
Taps you
when your feet are wet
and all that's on your mind
is proper boots

Should it come along
I hope it's small
Undemanding
and just a living in it
You'll laugh and say
the hope's well founded
Words on paper
don't make writing
But men's legs aren't made
like horse's
Too heavy a load
they begin to shake

But hell, a man's a fool
not to wish
for evidence
he's got a word to say
that now and then someone
finds worthwhile
There's ego and sweat
in digging ditches too
Everyone digs in something
looking up
to see how near it is
to quitting time