No Need to Rest

For my aunt.

She looked up suddenly from her work
to find him standing by her.
How long have you been there,
she asked. Not long, he said.
Well, a while. Can't you take a break?
You've been working hard.
You should rest.
Pshaw, she said, as she rose,
dusting her hands
once, twice,
on her trousers. I don't need to rest
if I'm with you.

January 29 2015