Farm Instructor

afternoon chores and the sun

is three hours past its highest point

hot on their dark heads they seek the shade

behind the big barn, the boys

four of them including Ronny

decide to take their chance to run

and on a silent cue

they take off

across the open grass and down the slope

breaking through tree branches

shadow dappled panic

hearts beat faster than chased rabbits

skinny legs push for home

boughs cracking toward light and a chance

wordless spirited breaths follow

one another

and the farm instructor inside his house

boots off, already drunk

in his chair by the south window, dreaming

sun-warmth on his forearm and right thigh

and when he hears about the boys he releases

a heavy sigh

stiff with the beating he’ll give

the one he catches first

he laces his boots and sends the hand for the truck

hopes to be back before dark

it’ll be Ronny who feels the rough hands

of the farm instructor

pull him easily to the ground

heavy knee on his narrow chest

the breath crushed from his lungs

as he steels himself to be beaten

like a man