toil

Today I wash my hands
fingernails and wrinkles
collecting the grease of work

today I wash my hands anew
knowing tomorrow will be no easier
protective calluses have formed
handshake wide with muscle

though today I wash my hands
my word lay in it tattooed
what I committed to yesterday
stays like a worked in callus

tomorrow too, I will wash my hands
and fold the towel properly
all will lay in order for that day
waiting for a new day’s work

Thank you Bill Gottlin.