The Garage of His Youth
 
You can grip a wrench
and know it.
You turn the screw
and watch the jaw.
You latch the nut
and your forearm feels
a strength and purpose.
You place it on the bench
and hear the sound.
What did I take apart?
Anything.
Wrenches, hammers, bolts and washers,
Phillips and flat-heads, hooks and screws.
Here’s the brightness of the morning sun.
Now what needs fixing?
I’ll find something.
I lift the garage door open.
The youthful sounds of my neighborhood spill in.
Measuring tape, electrical tape, grinders,
sanders, batteries, drills and bits, springs and wires.
What did I build?
Everything.
I grew older.  Demands left little time for tools and play.
I earned a Master’s degree in English.
What am I doing with a Master’s degree in English?