House Painting Blues

Poets post their works-in-progress here for crit and commentary. We want poets who are serious about getting their work published.
Post Reply
Message
Author
BobBradshaw
Posts: 2683
Joined: 03 Jun 2016, 21:03

House Painting Blues

#1 Post by BobBradshaw » 13 Jan 2022, 08:41

House Painting Blues

I'm sitting on my platform,
soaking up the sun
the way a wall soaks up paint.
My boss shouts, "Are you done
with the first coat yet?"

I start slapping the house.
My boss leans
around the corner.
“What’s taking so long?
You're not painting
a luxury cruiser.”

His face is as red
as a boiled octopus.

If I wasn't 8’
off the ground
he would reach up
with his tentacles
and strangle me.

But he can't and I shrug.
"I'm working hard, Boss."

He's got debts spreading
like urban growth
and an ulcer
that chews at him
as much as his wife.

I hear him cursing
behind the back wall
and I shout out,
to reassure him—partly
to throw a jab back

"I'm working, Boss”

User avatar
Billy
Posts: 1384
Joined: 22 Jun 2006, 10:56

Re: House Painting Blues

#2 Post by Billy » 13 Jan 2022, 22:11

I’ve had bosses and jobs like that. Poem takes me back, thanks.

BobBradshaw
Posts: 2683
Joined: 03 Jun 2016, 21:03

Re: House Painting Blues

#3 Post by BobBradshaw » 15 Jan 2022, 22:13

Thanks, Billy. Hope you found some humor in it.

Kenneth2816
Posts: 1619
Joined: 01 Jun 2008, 09:17

Re: House Painting Blues

#4 Post by Kenneth2816 » 17 Jan 2022, 14:24

Nice job with the octopus. My experience is most house painters are heavy heavy drinkers.

Post Reply