at a drystone wall

framed in the evening light a mango tree
widespread and old with a huge deep dark shade
behind and under as evening parade
begins and we think ourselves truly free
of daily duties but we have paid no fee
to certify that we have made the grade
while high above us the light starts to fade
revealing worlds we were not meant to see
the sheep are full-fed and now seem content
while goats are bound for water and for sleep
and cattle ignore us while they still graze
and yet we are for distant venues bent
the sea beyond us not so wide nor deep
that it can hide the hope of other days