He gets up from the bed

turn the tap splash his face

wash away yellow cake

round the drain not awake.

How in hell can a man

clear the sand from his eye

when he can’t find his way

‘cause they turned out the light?

He gets up from the chair

to the sink soak his head

rinse away black cob webs

roaring blood sober numb.

How in hell can a guy

clean the shame from the sty

when he won’t go back home

and burp up mouth of bile?

He gets up from the floor

to dilute dirty tears

wipe his cheek slapped upright

wet behind burning ears.

How in hell can a boy

cleave the past mirror missed

when he don’t know a sin

to forgive or confess?

Wash, mixed media, 2011, figure about 6” H standing up.