– Robert A. Heinlein
Standing solid
I bend my back
squat
then straighten at the waist
hunkered ‘neath the weight
I lift clean the load
the warehouseman’s refrain
always on my mind
(back straight
lift with the legs)
the first test — no result
I try a second
then a third
on and on
day after day
long hours in the lab
the formula must be perfect
only perfect will save lives
drywall must be flush
and plumb
also square and seamless
meticulously
I set each sheet
with the level and the bob
then pause
to wipe my sweating brow
I curse my keyboard
do battle with fatigue
I coax the vision
to commit to screen
the first draft of my design
to then modify
and refine
until — the ultimate creation
I check the temperature
conduct the screening
evaluate the results
then make the diagnosis
without delay or self-concern
I begin the treatment
in timely manner
to save a life
wearing tight my mask
I count the stock
disinfect the shelves
gather the inventory
place the goods
then squelching my fear
help customers check out
knowing in this time of crisis
people must have what they need
these — and countless others
elements of the work I do
or did
or may yet do
and I am you
and you are me
and we are all together
in this constant labor
for our daily bread
but – this is not our true work
to bend to lift someone in need
to help carry their burden
until they again stand steady
to bend to pick & toss the litter
that clutters our land masses
chokes our seas with plastics
to seek the components of peace
to formulate the dialog
that fosters understanding
to measure well my tolerance
to stand squarely flush
with truth and level justice
to look into the eyes
of someone very different
and see with care — not hate
to admit my mistakes
to quietly listen
to try again to get it right
to visualize a free world
to create enduring possibility
for universal love
this — is the true work
the true care to keep
in the great hands final sweep
‘round the face of time
*
rob kistner © 2021
Poetry at: dVerse
