blue-collar doberman

i got this uniform

this mattock

and tin of sardines

take pride in my

paycheck every two

weeks

the work is steady

i feed my family

every chance i get and

with blood on my breath

the landlord is lenient

with the rent

i got this punch card

this crucifix

and vinegar sponge

pass the weight of this

industry on to my

son

the foreman makes noise

demands trickle down

through air-conditioned rooms

but with flesh

under my fingernails

job security follows suit