Reaper - Death Blossom

Black reapers with the sound of steel on stones
Are sharpening scythes.  I see them place the hones
In their hip-pockets as a thing that’s done,
And start their silent swinging, one by one.
Black horses drive a mower through the weeds,
And there, a field rat, startled, squealing bleeds.
His belly close to ground.  I see the blade.
Blood-stained, continue cutting weeds and shade.

-Jean Toomer