I'd feel better about blistered hands
If in fact their work be useful
And with lasting lush result
Not that the garbage men be slighted
For their lifting of our overconsumption
But better if raised consciousness
To recycle
Lending better breath to a gasping Earth
I'd feel better about blistered hands
If not from prying tenement doors ajar
But wrestling trigger happy fingers
From pointed anger
That paint and poetry could survive
The onslaught of embedding violence
And graffiti cement be polished
To depict hands outstretched
I'd feel better about blistered hands
If sore, from stringing mosquito netting
Planting saplings or serving clean water
To those whose hands tire from trying
To believe we work for better days
Better chores For better shores
The first few lines of this pen brought to mind a Dennis The Menace cartoon from long... LONG ago! :) lol! ! He proudly announced to his parents (his mom I think) that he wanted to be a garbage man when he became a grown-up... when (she) asked why, his response was Then no one will care how I smell... if only the world could be that accepting... just a thought... :)
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Blistered hands are to be looked upon with pride if they are used for giving a face lift to the disfigured and ruined Earth by clearing the heap of garbage or planting trees and making it verdant and clean! Simple acts of love and concern can make a vital difference.... Enjoyed this fine write! !