Monotony

Drag of the swingle-tree on the river-bed stones;
Rattle of chains, thudding of hooves;
Zig-zag of the sledge, see-saw of logs;
Day in, day out . . . till the next flood comes.
A lull . . . and then
Drag of the swingle-tree on the river-bed stones:
Rattle of chains, thudding of hooves;
Zig-zag of the sledge, see-saw of logs . . .
Days drag; months swing; years wabble on.

—C.M.L.