jln.

Hours upon hours
of paid work, of
picking up clothes made
from distant lands to
the hands, shoulders,
collarbones of people
with the paper - so powerful
people die for it.

Or at least people sweat
break their backs
leave their families
for it.

Hours upon hours of
dealing with powerful money
and clothes from distant lands

I come home afterwards,
and first thing I pick up
is the stringed instrument
and wash my hands with
broken melodies and off-key notes

cleanse my soul with words
written by someone who does not have
to work hours upon hours
with clothes made from distant lands.

©jln.