Out in the country senses five

And seven more keep man alive.

One for back roads crossing so

They need lifetime long to go.

Two for water and when to pour.

Wood enough to keep the fire, -

Chopped, piled, dry in the shed;

Roof and blanket over the bed;

And time, make five; and apples six.

Seven is seeing to oil and wicks.

Eight is knowing your own land.

Ten and nine are head and hand

Putting together and making work

Eggs or engines by day or dark.

Food and fences, taxes, tools,

Mail and paint and leaves and walls,

Add to more than seven and five.

But a man's poems, to stay alive,

Like man, in the country, must be quick

With imagination's arithmetic.