The theologian toils through the morning,
Naming,
Comparing,
Classifying.

Such difficult work!
Such heavy lifting!

Fatigued, he sets aside his glasses,
Goes into the garden after lunch to
Weed roses,
Shovel manure,
Prune branches,
Rake the beds.

Midst perfumed blooms
And sweat
His strength returns!

Lifting both arms,
Smiling,
He floats upward through green light,

Complete.

(Tucson — Spring 1999)