Man's Work

Up and down the ladder he schleps

a sweating ant

repeatedly defying gravity by

working his way up and down the drain pipe

Cleaning the gutters

painting the shutters

re-glazing the windows

caulk gun wielded like a sten

in the expert hands of a stealthy sniper

Dried paint droplets

cling to a beloved shirt

ratty and too often rescued from the rag bag

splatters on his work boots

testify silently

to projects challenged, dueled and won

Mists of wood and shrapnel

cling to bed-head hair,

eyebrows and a steel wool beard

beneath squinted eyes the glint of

noonday sun is tamed

I remain on the ground

shouting helpful instruction

and encouragement

cool beneath the shade of my large straw hat

I am full of white hot inspiration

and cold beer

Still my hero

diligently

sweats and schleps up and down the ladder

defying gravity by

clinging to my heart