tools

the tools are clumsy in my hands these days

i used to be so quick and sure

dropping the hammer dropping the nails

fumbling with my fingers

measuring and remeasuring 

and missing the cut

why do my hands seem to get in the way

they once were delicate and nimble

this is the second time i dropped that

stiff and unwieldy fingers

grip loosening and tightening

a hair more a hair less

my body has betrayed me in the aging days

eyes unclear reflexes unsure

memories dropped careless and wasteful

the fingers slow to open or close

numbing and cold

the jagged cut too short

jeg.

12/17