Work is Dignity

Sweat, spit, ash, smoke,

floured face, calloused palms,

bile, grease, bleach, degreaser,

ink-stained fingers, sunburned

cheeks, saw-dusted hardhats, paint-

spattered pants, heavy gloves,

steel-toed boots, dirt-

encrusted bandanas and starched

aprons, sweep-mopping, dig-

planting, wash-ironing, rope-

branding, serve-clearing, bait-

gutting, up before sun,

up after moon, brick

after box after crate

after load, is work,

is worthy, is dignity.