S
T
R
A
I
G
H
T

as a rod
pulling his
shoulders tight
the angle of
his upper back
does not curve
with age or
years of wear
and tear

Nor does it
hint at the
Frankenstienian
scar between the
blades beneath
which titanium
welds bones
together forever

Nuts and bolts
built this TinMan
But his is not in
search of a heart
now, or an oil can
to fend off rusty
joints he stretches
muscle and tendons

Opiates and patches
help him work
through the pain
while I keep
tending his
heart and the
scars left
where none
can see

My TinMan
and Me

04/04/2013

Author's Note: Clue prompt: write a poem in the comment about something visible but hidden...Tweetspeak Every day Poems.

Posted on 04/04/2013
Copyright © 2025 Sandy M. Humphrey