Atrophy.

Sweat in still air,
silent bodies bent in work ,
monotony and routine,
fluorescent hum and chatter,
safety harness rattle,
endless generator drone,
rhythmic tool clatter,
ethyl mercaptan and diesel.


Fog and night shift blur,
pre-sealed foil coffee packets,
caffeinated peppermints,
industrial solvents and exhaust,
tobacco smoke and sewage,
vomit and alcohol,
flickering mercury vapor,
high pressure sodium arc midnight matinee.

Stained concrete and shadows.