Labor

It’s hot; it’s noisy;

It’s summer.

the buzzing of a saw, the popping of a nail, 

the sweating of the brow.

And the workers carry on. 

Not Ellie, my yellow tabby, who wanders by

with only a wish for a scratch or two under the chin.

She bears no worry or burden, 

her belly is full, and her sleep is dreamy