sometimes i would leave

the comfort

of the patio   and my on and off

conversation with colin's grandfather

to actually

help colin   and the others

work the endless rows of vines

sweat labor

hard physical work 

being to me as compassion 

is to 

certain elected officials

but it did me good

i slept well

my muscles ached the next day   

and i had an unfamiliar   or at least different

sense of well-being