Charles Henderson Poet Free verse

Cooling It

I’m totally one more give out old man--- 
Trying to cool it .  I don’t have anything left 
to hurt for an encore.

Naked to the waist with my coveralls
splayed over the chair back—drying.
The hot breeze mellowing over my torso
like the dancing fingers of a masseuse.
Afraid to merely hint at a touch
for fear of destroying the mood.

The hot breath scorching the surface
faster than evaporation occurs.
I don’t remember 103 affecting me like this
in the past.  Maybe hotter. 
I don’t know, but I can’t 
take this heat any more.

Back over my shoulders go the 
now half dry clothes
Intending to go back into that infernal
place and work a bit longer
but God only knows,
I’m already one strung out mess.

I think I’ll sit here just a few minutes more
I’m totally one more give out old man--- 
Trying to cool it .  I don’t have anything left 
to hurt for an encore

Jul 26 For Rambling's "Gosh that was fast" contest

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Debbie Guzzi January 11, 2013 at 5:15 PM I think you'll be putting something up or tearing something down the day the grim reaper comes for YOU! That's how you stay young! Light & Love

Andrea Dietrich July 28, 2010 at 6:45 PM Congratulations!

Andrea Dietrich July 28, 2010 at 6:45 PM GREAT poem, it kind of reminded me of the one I posted a few weeks ago In Air so Slow! YOu might get a kick out of that one. Luv, Andrea

Carol Sunshine Brown July 27, 2010 at 6:19 AM Congratulations Charles on your win in Constance"The Rambling Poet's" contest "Gosh,That Was Fast". Love, Carol

Joyce Johnson July 26, 2010 at 5:04 PM And yet you manged to whip out this beauty in a hurry. Congratulations Charles. Love, Joyce

Linda-Marie Sweetheart July 26, 2010 at 3:55 PM Congrats Charles on your winning cool write.. enjoyed this one as u enjoy another win.. my friend... wtih luv..

Elaine George July 26, 2010 at 3:35 PM Good one! Charles. I can really identify. Lainie

Joyce Johnson July 26, 2010 at 10:16 AM Ooh I have heard of that terrible heat, sitting here in my 70 degree breeze. Sorry. Love, Joyce

T.L. Drover July 26, 2010 at 10:08 AM Good luck in the contest! You have created a great scene here. I like the way you have implied so much through your simple phrasing. Also I really like your use of repetition, your phrasing makes me think of someone slaving in the dust bowl during the dirty thirties.