L Milton Hankins Poet Free verse

In Praise of Barge Workers

Wind sweeps down the side of the mountain
Crosses tracks and flings itself across the river,
First slapping against the sides of the tugboats
Causing the deckhands to shiver and curse
As they check the lashing between the barges,
Several days before they reach the sun
And longer still before arriving at the delta,
In the meantime, they work as fast as they can
with pea coats fastened against oncoming blasts
Of bitter chill, and careful avoiding icy patches
On the walkways of the behemoths they tame
Young men romanticize working on the river,
Unaware of the dangers, seems an easy job.
They do not know of bodies mangled, crushed 
Chain unhitched, a single misstep, a sudden jerk
When least expected, pay beneficiaries for a life.

written December 9, 2021

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Tom Cunningham December 10, 2021 at 2:10 PM Great tribute to the barge workers Milton, we always see the glamorous side of things not realising the dangers that often come with that occupation.. Tom L Milton Hankins December 10, 2021 at 2:15 PM That is so true, Tom. At one time I wanted to work on a barge. I thought it was romantic! Then, I learned about the dangers.

Ilene Bauer December 10, 2021 at 9:33 AM A wonderful tribute to workers at a job I never realized was so dangerous. Great poem, Milton! L Milton Hankins December 10, 2021 at 9:49 AM Thank you, Ilene, for your thoughtful comment on my poem.

John Lawless December 10, 2021 at 5:40 AM So many job, or trades, have hidden dangers few are aware of. Nicely written "thumbs up" for the barge workers L Milton Hankins December 10, 2021 at 8:51 AM Thank you for your thoughtful comment, John. I appreciate your read and your thoughts.