men and garages

i've noticed,

casually observed one might

say

that men of a certain

age

need their own special

space,

a cellar nook,

an attic, perhaps, but

the garage being the one

most used.

they raise the door

before noon.

you can see their tools

aligned neatly

on the bench, the floor

painted,

the lights bright, an old

car with the hood up being

worked on.

there's always a project going

on, a chair being restored,

a lamp being wired.

there's

posters of a different era

on the walls.

leggy pin ups of

Marilyn, or Rita Hayworth

on tin plates.

music playing

from stereo speakers hung

high in the corner.

a small ice box for cans

of beer,

for when friends stop by

to chew one's ear.