I don’t mind I don’t mind
that’s his only answer
whenever I land with these
sinking bones
all weary and torn
he says to me
I don’t mind I don’t mind
without preamble
works out the kinks and knots
from my scalp
to my stiff neck,
sweet pressure
to my shoulders
plays my spinal cord like a piano
all the while
I don’t mind I don’t mind
as I rest my head
like the little kid I am
to his knee
his fingers tips
sinking into my skull
never probing
or demanding
or droning
just seeping
into this
overworked brain
offering
I don’t mind I don’t mind
relieving me
from the daily
sore and bruises
of this continual struggle
that no longer makes sense
before losing strength
he says
I don’t mind I don’t mind