My Roots Smell Like Diesel

the rumbling of the diesel engine
wakes me
roots me
 
this sound is expected early
6 sometimes 7 days a week 
 
in my daze I imagine the dew disturbed
perturbed
on the leaves of pasture

the engine idles
warming
in preparation
 
for a day of hard work
 
the heaviness of first gear on the gravel driveway
intentional in its labor
 
the log truck jerks and starts
as it grumbles towards the highway
 
“another day at the salt mines,”
dad mutters to himself with a sarcastic grin
 
another day working to warm the home
another day working to fill a need that satisfies
 
not just a job
but a way of life
 
to this day
the smell of diesel
takes me back  
takes me back home
 
to my roots
that lumber and wake me
reminds me reminds me