he pounds nails

a poem about the softness of a working man's heart

he pounds nails

and pours concrete all day

then comes home

to touch me with calloused hands

and the softness of his smile

Author's Note

Publication Credit: Ribbons 2011

Reviews

[wordwarrior]

Oh my Joyce, how very beautiful. You have put an abundance of beauty and love in 5 lines. You are amazing!

[Glen Yumang Manese]

Sounds about right...I'm into construction myself...and do tile work...this give a reflection in a way to me...

[Keith]

I love this piece, loving your work Joyce.

[Sanober]

That was so beautiful that it made my heart ache. Sometimes the toughest looking men have the tenderest hearts. you have captured so much in only a few words....i am amazed. A really special poem here....loved it so much!

[Pryde Foltz]

Love this. That the hands are hard-worked makes it all the more special when they are soft. Lucky girl.

[wordman]

and tired,but never too tired for his love of his life

[ShelleyA]

Hi Joyce. A beautiful write about this loving attraction that is short, concise and succinct. A skillfully crafted Tanka. Perfect form. Good imagery, flow and tone. Line to line transition and breaks are well done. Very nice rhythm. Lovely depth of feeling and beautiful expression of love. Good word choice as is the alliteration, assonance and consonance. Well penned and a much enjoyed read. Write on!

[Kelly Scheppers]

"to touch me with calloused hands
and the softness of his smile"

Joyce, you have truly touched the heart of this writer. This is poetry with a pulse...and it stirs the imagination with awe!

My best,
Kelly

[ba_mcfarlane]

You have mastered a perfect description of devotion with unique brevity. This takes big talent.

[MsJewel]

You have said so much in so few words. Truly a stunning love poem! :) Julie