"Hands" - by Ici Pomez.

lift boxes

slide out tables

pass out brown paper bags

grab fruit

place a sandwich

pick up chips & cookies during breaks

pinch balloon nipples

threaten to throw food (joking?)

fill 40 bags with lunch for other volunteers in five minutes

shield eyes from sun

put on day 3 wig

sanitize 243 times

pack and repack suitcase

put earplugs in before sleep

stuff sleeping bag in suitcase each morning (by day 6 you're a pro)

stumble around tent, erected in confusion (even after years of camping)

lift and lift and lift and lift

take balloon from Gear Truck A guy (smile big, ask for a couple more)

put boomerang pillow against van window and snooze once morning chatter dies down

hold coffee and pastry, and listen to others' stories

no have time to wring them in worry

frantically search for everything (dig down deep in your bag on an impulse)

keep inside parka and pockets until day 4 (California coastline wing is cold)

hold cup with vigil candle inside

wipe away tears

high-five everyone as you file in to the middle of Closing Ceremonies

hug your tentmate like you haven't seen him in twenty years

hold on to him for the next twenty

©2014 Eric Franklin Crow