Under the covers,
pillows forming the walls of
a childhood fortress.

Dirt under his nails
Crisscrossed scars, old and faded
A man’s calluses.

Sunrise to sunset,
I walk out that door, and I
return when work’s done.

Working on the lines,
it’s just another day of
working on the lines.

I have loved and lost,
and buried my heart so I
would not love again.

Take care whom you hold –
unworthy arms will never
treat you with respect.

The words that hurt most
come from the mouths of those whom
we most desire praise.

I am dumbfounded;
the words catch in my throat, and
they refuse to budge.