SPIT SHINE

SPIT SHINE

There are calluses on his knees
and the palms of his hands.
He spit shines.

He spit shines
the floor until each blotch is erased.
He does it over and over and over again.

Even when restrained, spittle trickles down his mouth
as he prepares for the next cleaning.
He sees blemishes in the dark.

He used to move furniture
before it was bolted down.
He is working himself to death.

But it will not come.

Bobbie Kilzer Gogain