Better Chores For Better Shores Poem by Susan Lacovara

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