Broken slat of lattice. Mound
of ants. Dead dragonfly.
Slippery bundle of grapes.
After they sheared the vineyard
the harvesters sat
in the shade to rest.

Old bench. Rusted scissors.
Broken-toothed tractor sprocket.
Mat of webs between the leaves.
When the harvesters rested
beneath oak trees,
no one heard their laughs.

Rolled tobacco. Unlit room.
Sulphur match tip smoke.
When they returned home,
the washstand was dry.
The room was cool.
Their families slept beneath
thick blankets. The moon
crept into their hands—
delicate light across
cracked palms.