I work
One sock at a time
With elbows glued together behind
My back.

I work with
A pencil in each finger
Intertwined, mingling,
Whispering something about me and
The sweaty palms.

I work keeping
My shoelaces untied so
I may trip over them
And fall to the ground so that,
I may,
Perhaps
By some miracle of God
Or a stay in the hospital,
Find a way to

Keep my toes
Warm; work without trouble.