help wanted

I see the help wanted
sign
in the window,
and go in.

the small bell above
the doors rings

and a tired man
looks to meet me in
the eyes.

we're very busy
he tells me, are you placing
an order

or looking for work?

I look over his shoulder
towards
the shop

where men are at it
with saws and drills,

wood and metal forged
together
into long boxes,
coffins.

I smell the stain brushed
and drying on hard woods.
I smell
the singe of metal burnished
into a shine.

can I help you, he says again,
a stack of orders
on his desk.

do you need work?
are you skilled?

I shake my head, no.

I've changed my mind,
sorry to bother have
bothered you,

I tell him.
don't get up,
i'm just passing through.