Construction Man

Sweat and spit 

mix and mix 

harmful sun beats down on him

cracked skin 

chapped lips 

dirty fingernails to support a family of six

long days 

longer nights

searching for solace in rusted pipes 

clock in 

clock out 

mind trapped in the tile and grout 

construction man 

are you okay?

you seem to work your days away 

will you take a break?

will you settle down? 

will you wait till your kids have left the house?

construction man 

I see the work 

it takes to afford basics at the grocery store 

I hope one day 

your life will slow 

and you'll be the one staring 

at a construction man through the window