privileged?

i know

the push cart days.

the punched clock.

the boss

peering, not far away.

i know the grind,

the hustle,

the uniform, the short

lunch

the long day.

i know dirt,

and grit, paint and

debris.

dust in my eyes.

the heavy climb.

i know what it is to

break a shovel

against the frozen

ground.

to shiver in the wind,

waiting

for the food

truck to come around.

i know sweat, and blood.

fear. callouses

cuts and bruises.

i know

how to stretch a dollar.

how to save

a buck.

i know how to count

and make

it to the next week.

so don't tell me i'm

privileged because

of the color of my skin.

i have to go now.

work

awaits, again.