Ministration

Over the silhouettes
of crimson trees
into gulfs
partly inaccessible
taking sparse outcrops
with a tentative blade
then round the solid line
of chin, unwrinkling
folds beside the mouth…
Constantly checking
my perspective,
I work with
intimate distance.
At the end,
"A good shave,' you say
in your old dry way,
bony hand stretching
smooth skin —
a satisfied customer.
With an artist's
flair I slap on
the aftershave.