Written by Lynn White
Gloves will protect you
from the dirt in the ground
as you pot and dig and prune.
Gloves will protect you
from the bugs in the bathroom
and the unclean creatures
invading the scratches of your hard labour.
But nothing will protect you from your dirty work
the kind that leaves dirt on your soul not your hands.
Nothing will protect you from that.
It will soil more than your hands
as it engulfs you, covers you
even when invisible.
You know
and its stench will stay with you
You know
that you’ll never feel clean again.
Text © Lynn White
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Thank you!
Thank you that sums it up well!
For those who may be cruising through the comments this poem is one you should read. This poem delves into the dichotomy between physical and moral cleanliness, using gloves as a metaphor for the protection against the tangible dirt we encounter daily. The imagery of gardening and dealing with bugs contrasts starkly with the “dirty work” that stains the soul, highlighting the inner turmoil and the lasting impact of immoral actions. The poem suggests that while gloves can shield us from external grime, nothing can guard against the internal corruption that comes from unethical deeds. The haunting realization that one can never truly feel clean again emphasizes the profound and lingering consequences of such actions, creating a powerful reflection on guilt and moral integrity. It stands out the more you read it.