Dirt under your fingernails
when you get ready for bed;
that’s enough
for today. You did the work
and the evidence is upon you
and clear.

Outside
weeds lie drying
on the pavement where
you left them. Tomorrow
you will pick them up
and take then to the pile
along the fence out back.

Once they’re dried and brittle
some will be used
to spark the firepit
as kindling for an August
night’s party flame. 

It will be a lovely night — 
you’ll have vegetables 
grilled fresh from the vines
you’ve carefully saved 
from the weeds you burn
ceremoniously as you feast.

Look down at those nails
before you scrub them clean — 

take a moment to savor 
the deaths you caused today
to bring forth the most abundant life
for you and yours,
you beautiful man; you,
provider.