My thumbs have been
deeply in opposition
in the twisting of rebar wire,
or so they complain
now that I have paused

It was pleasant up at the site —
goldfinches delighting in thistle,
gentle breeze cooling,
officious yellow jackets notwithstanding,
buzzing where they had no right to be

And it feels good to train my hands
in skills essential now and maybe useful later —
they may protest, but I insist
that they be strengthened,
whether or not this work
is what the scripture meant.

©Wendy Mulhern
August 16, 2018