the boy dragged
the long bag along
his hands gingerly
picking at bushes
a white softness
belied by hard husk
tears his tender skin
until it bleeds
looking to his
father for comfort
he only hears
gruff words
sun burns his face
as sweat pours
running down his
burnt neck
a day seems
to be eternity
clomping through
the wet earth
wanting to please
wishing it over
his bag never full
the day ends
ninety five cents
meager redemption
dad vows to never
bring him back