Friday poem

I'm posting an original poem every Friday for a year. This is 15/52.

Listening to Music While Working Outdoors

My wife hates these headphones,

big and clumsy noise-cancelling things

bought at a yard sale years ago.

I turn the volume up high:

Steely Dan helps with yard work.

Thelonious Monk is fine with a hammer.

Certain eccentric old-time bands still remember

how to use the draw knife, the hand planer.

Bach is reserved for the delicate work of trim painting.

I am startled when she appears, waving her arms like a semaphorist. I have a phone call. Or it’s time for dinner.

With the music off it’s quiet enough again to hear her tsk.

Oh darling, I’d give them up

if you only played saxophone.