before the day is done

There was a time I worked with contract workers on a wiring project. Most of them are lowly educated, picked up their skills on the job. A couple were ex-cons. But one thing I learned about them, they never let their hard life get them down. There's always a smile on their faces and a joke waiting to burst out. Perhaps it is easier to pass the day this way?



photo by dsnake1



before the day is done


as the last rays
of the sun
strain through the rain trees
into the hoist bay
we sit at a makeshift table
in a pow wow
before the day
is done

rolling our cigarettes

it is not easy really
tobacco rolling is an art
the fingers greasy no doubt
it's either that
a big slab of leaves
smuggled in
from indonesia

or beedies

then the click
of lighters
the lazy flare
of a match
the cackle of laughter
crude jokes
crows caw

a puff of smoke
puffs of smoke

stub out ends
in
a dented coke can
choked with butts

or let it burn
to the fingers

dropping ashes
to the concrete
floor

ashes like squashed moths

more crows caw
truly rude jokes
caw caw caw
cough cough
then

they leave
we leave

leaving
unwashed mugs on the tabletop
waiting for moonlight to wash
over them

tonight



05/01/10
********








I am posting this poem for Poetry Pantry -#106. (what, one week already?) It's been lurking in the hard drive for a couple of years, and I guessed it's time to drag it out. :)


Song for the day : Another Day in Paradise


© cheong lee san ( dsnake1 ) 2012