Monday, December 13, 2010

For the Day Laborers of Marin County


Patient and resolute they wait

weathering the morning

for work that isn’t coming

Lining the sidewalk

in hooded sweatshirts and jean jackets

covering up skin made tough

from hard work and the cutting glances

of families on their way to pick up a tree

Their cars full of conditioned air

cheery holiday tunes

and the latest navigation system

to ensure an afternoon free

from a conversation with anyone

not had over the clean convenience

of a stylish hands free device


They will bring that tree home

cover it with lights

shower it with ornaments

surround it with gifts

Liberating it from its plainness and simplicity

from its boring life in the woods

without electric trains

or cappuccino machines

And that tree will glow

like the faces of women

sipping candy cane martinis

Like the 6 o’clock street lamps

doing their best to light the scene

for the men

in hooded sweatshirts and jean jackets

Today’s can’t hack-its

take a bow and exit stage right

Their empty pockets and overflowing thoughts

follow them home

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