Concrete Fever

for Phil Vernon

Seven and one half yards of concrete
and every last pebble in place.
A certain kind of concrete steps
I'd never built before, and
six different patio slopes all having to run
with perfect symmetry
to that one post hole marker
of a drain pipe
and an architect antsy eagle eye for the least mistake
or merely visual flaw.

I worried, I cursed, I adjusted and nailed
and by six o'clock my steps are a grace
to behold, a joy to ascend
and the water from the hoses
of the concrete finisher
rolls sweetly down all those six slopes
and into that bull's-eye drain.
I love water!
I love concrete!
I love the work I did today!

- Kate Braid