Parking Lot Cowboy

Birds caw and circle above. Sweat runs down my face, stinging into my eyes. The clouds are mostly dispersed, the only one that is distinct looks as if a giant stone were skipped across the sky. I've never seen a cloud formation quite like this before. 

I spot a nice group of carts. Counting 13, I rope 'em. Pulling the rope tight, holding them together, I begin to pull with one arm. It takes a bit of force at first, but they give. I take my hat off and wipe the sweat from my face. A nice breeze picks up and guides me back to where I once was. This process repeats over and over. Between time, I give myself a break in the shade, refuel on water, letting some run down my neck. There's good people out here I work with, our conversations get us through the days, but the days only keep getting hotter. I'm starting to build up a nice tan, working under this blaring sun, I guess there's an upside in this.

My favorite part about working out here would have to be helping people load supplies into their vehicles. Lifting large heavy items, gives me a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Helping people is the best part about my day, making life easier for others. Sometimes older gentlemen will tell me a story after I help them or just see me near them. I always listen and enjoy what they have to say. This one time I was taking out the trash and a man told me he was once offered land in Alaska. The only catch was, he had to live there for 5 years before it was officially his and free. So, he went, stayed there for a while until he made it to his first winter. That man told me it was so darn cold, he high tailed it right back to Texas. That old man told me, never live in Alaska son, it's too damn cold. And that was that. 

I've always dreamed of traveling, I think about it often while I work, but I can't think now, my heads begun to throb from the heat taking me over. The day has begun to die down and I'm the last one out here. I'd like to think maybe some day these carts will be cattle and these cattle will roam the far lands free. I'd like to ride right there with them. I fasten my hat back upon my head and watch as the stars begin to emerge in the sky.