When I came in from working in the sun you were right there to greet me.
You gave me a hug.
My sweat soaked shirt didn't bother.
The dirt and grass clippings didn't bother.
The smell, oh, the smell, didn't bother.
You embraced me all the same.
It was a terrible thing because of me.
I was dirty, as a sponge wrung out.
I didn't feel I did much to deserve your touch.
Still, thank you for that.
You gave me a hug.
My sweat soaked shirt didn't bother.
The dirt and grass clippings didn't bother.
The smell, oh, the smell, didn't bother.
You embraced me all the same.
It was a terrible thing because of me.
I was dirty, as a sponge wrung out.
I didn't feel I did much to deserve your touch.
Still, thank you for that.
Rickey Rivers Jr. was born and raised in Alabama. He is a writer and cancer survivor. His work has appeared in Bonnie's Crew, Crepe & Penn, Dreams Walking (among other publications). Twitter: @storiesyoumight. His third mini collection of 3x3 poems is available now: amazon.com/dp/B07VDH6XG5.