Tools Away

Hang the saw back on its nail. Sweep the shavings to the wall. Set the plane down on the bench. Close the vice and wipe the jaws. Everything back where it was. Everything back where it was. Latch the shed — the hasp is cold. Set the padlock, turn away. Boots on gravel, boots on dirt. Boots on the porch step, sit down. Everything back where it was. Everything back where it was. Everything back. The dark came while I was inside. I didn't notice when it turned. My hands sit open on my knees. The left one's heavier than the right — it held the plane all afternoon. The shed door swings an inch, then stops.