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This writing was accepted for publication in the 96 page perfect-bound ISSN# / ISBN# issue/book... “I Pull the Strings” Down in the Dirt (v121) (the Jan./Feb. 2014 Issue) You can also order this 6"x9" issue as a paperback book:

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Concrete, But More Like Dirt

Paul Smith

Concrete, eh?
Concrete is simple, precise
You’re not
You’re a dirt guy, Ed
Complicated
With concrete
There is just so much
You buy it, you place it, you cure it
And there it is
Concrete guys have tools-generators, vibrators, trowels, snap-ties
Your trailer looks empty
Your brow is all wrinkled
There’s no way for you to get your wedge in
Your wedge of complication
You could steal the concrete
But that, too, is simple
Something you don’t like
You like dirt
How much is there?
Depends on how you measure it
Depends on who measures it
Where does it come from?
Who picks up the trucking?
Contaminated?
How do you handle these questions?
Through different people
Who hedge, hem and haw
Most important of all
How does it get paid?
The rest – plans, specs, promises
All nonsense. . .
. . .and can be castrated by
Complications
So you say you want a concrete guy?
A guy like me?
Ah!
A concrete guy who can think like a dirt guy!
Someone who can introduce the complication and mystery
Of dirt
Into the stringent realm of concrete
Because he understands the difference
Someone like me
You know, Ed, I like you
I think we have a complicated future together

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