Stressed and tense
the young man
twitches and jumps
at any instance
at school.

But at home
he works in
a light tee
soaked with sweat,
as he
pushes the mower
listening to
his favorite songs
on a Sony Walkman
cd player.

Sprays of stray grass
blow back fast
sticking and staining
his straining calves
and ankles.

Even the torn blue jeans
start smearing shades of green
while he continues moving
and sweating profusely.

Small squirrelly animals
scamper away
afraid
of the loud machine
pushed by this
oblivious human being.

His hair is soaked in sweat,
the sweet relief
of strenuous labor
won’t pay off later,
but for a good hour
or more
he is completely absorbed
in the music and work.

The world ceases to be
any problem for him
and he has no tension.