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.

Just what should I say
to the people who’ve hurt me.
My words have failed me.

Why did I think it
a good idea to stay
up past 3am?

It was no surprise:
he came home caked and messy,
just like he was born.