– 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
‘I curse my keyboard
do battle with fatigue
I coax the vision
to commit to screen’
I was thinking ‘this is my stanza’ – then I read the second half of your poem. The true, and most important work of humankind.
We are fabric of both our personal and the greater work Ingrid. We all have two jobs to fulfill, if the world is to work — and I want it to.
Fine work, RK. I esp dig the Beatles insertion. Thanks.
Thank you Ron… 🙂 … very perseptive my friend!
We’re talking epic, brother–one can be two, and two can OneTouch –just like me and you. Each poem could stand alone, but your creative synthesis of the two was a joy, a goal, an inspiration. You pack so much into this, and the last few poems–emotion, insight, philosophy, advice, choices.
It is just is what is!
Rob, it feels like we are always practicing in hopes that we will get it right when the time comes. Practical and achievable template you’ve laid out here (if we practice!)
We are all heading go the point of ultimate decision — we might as well prepare Lisa!
Such fine sentiments, Rob. This is the work–but I’m afraid many will never understand that. Still, I’m glad you and others remind us all. Thank you.
Thank you Merril, but we cannot act as if we won’t comprehend — we must take action that we do understand. Time is short!
Wow this speaks loudly to me of all who work so hard for the benifit of all. it does not matter which stanza is our own, just that we are a part of humanity.
The world is such a rich diverse tapestry of skills and knowledge to serve the wants and needs of us all. Working appreciative of how our differences in career, ethnicity, knowledge, desires, creativity, physical capability, sacrifice, dedication — in all of it… how it could make the world work so well. Unfortunately, we let our beliefs, fears, opinions, prejudices, egos, and arrogance — all the shit that is actually totally meaningless and functionally useless… drive our actions. HOW FUCKING STUPID WE PETTY HUMANS ARE!! So sad and pitiful, and it is so ingrained in us by generations of “practices and traditions”, from silly to downright evil — we can’t seem to escape damage and disfunction, to open to a future of possibility. Again, we seem fundamentally fucked up as a species, so maybe there just is no hope?
Rob, this is so profound–personal and universal, like all the best poems.
Is is a statement of fact, snd a cry for understanding and accomplishment!
Many of us can relate to this Rob. At the end of the day, yes, Where is the Love? It’s all that matters. I love your last two lines –
in the great hands final sweep
‘round the face of time
Thd clock is ticking, we have much to do as a species Christine!
to visualize a free world
to create enduring possibility
for universal love
Love the positive assertion, Rob, which many aspire for. Nothing like having hope for support!
Hank
This world needs hope Hank!
Absolutely – if we all look after each other, we all benefit.
So simple sounding, so hard to do!
I have noticed your poetry digging in deep and there is a sense redefining ones work in life. I would say you are in the thick of an expanding consciousness. The world is in a crisis like none we’ve ever seen. Keep shining that light, Rob even when darkness lurks.
Interesting observation True. Perhaps it is being on the cusp of my 75th b’day, or the expanding and extending threat of the now more contagious and lethal nature of the COVID pandemic, or my personally advancing congestive heart failure, the osteoarthritis that is crippling my hands stealing my ability to do basic daily functions that require my hands. I feel I am losing my sense of humor, being more emotionally impacted by the obvious eroding of our ecological system coupled with the decline of the civil nature of society, resulting in an angrier reaction to the stupidity, arrogance, and greed I see escalating exponentially in the world. I felt I was turning into a curmudgeon. I like your perspective of the shift in my temperament much better True — I am in a period of expanding consciousness. It feels quite accurate and would explain shat I am experiencing.
Rob,
Virtuoso poetic lines that limn the yearning in our hearts to do the “true work” of life.
pax,
dora
Thank you Dora! I appreciate your perception, but I see this as rooted in universal spirituality, not in exclusively in christian spirituality. I grew up catholic, but in my teens, my consciousness moved away from manipulative aspects of that religion, effectively from any religion. The dogmatic overtones I felt diminished, or at the very least, restricted the universality of the broader magnitude of my awakening — an awakening that has continued ever since, not always evolving linearly. I embrace wholeheartedly peace and a caring, nurturing world — but not exclusively in the name of christianity. Again, I experience it more universal, without any denominational trappings. But I welcome always your perspective Dora, and my intention is not to change yours — just wanted you to understand the foundation of my thinking and view of the universe. Peace to you my friend.
Why are simple things difficult to do! Taking care of each other, taking care of our earth…that should come naturally. Very profound and insightful writing, Rob. I am learning so much from you.
Thank you Punam. I am just like you, looking for answers, always questioning. We must always be questioning and seeking. It is through questioning and seeking that we get glimpses of the answers. I certainly don’t have all the answers, but I will never stop asking and sharing what glimpses I get — as should you Punam, never stop asking, seeking, sharing – that is how we spread love, and share truth that does not have an agenda, not meant to manipulate. Something clear, untainted — something real. Peace Punam, never stop! 🙂
wow I feel quite overwhelmed Rob, this poem really covers it all – kudos!
Feels like we can all stop writing now coz you’ve said it all …
Kate, there is so so much that still needs saying — we can never stop.
I love this Rob!
Thank you Mary… 🙂
Our first work is to make the world a livable place for all. But our other work can contribute to that as well I believe.
I certainly agree kerfe!
Someone once told me, “All work is honorable,” and you flesh that out here, while pointing us toward the deeper work we all have a responsibility to undertake. Well said.
Thank you Hedgewitch! 🙂