we were shown
our value
was measured in blood
spilled out during 
the sweltering heat
that makes us worth 
nothing
when the day’s over
a tool discarded 
until tomorrow’s doing

not in complaining
because that didn’t 
make anyone happy
and showed weakness
the greatest sin
for blue-collar over
sunburned necks

movies tell us 
that we’re not 
to go out quietly

told to idolize
last stands
surrounded by the enemy
for distant ideas 
honor
tradition
respect

society made sure
that a father and son
only knew each other
through languages
of violence, hard work, or death

we’ve got to sit in rooms
knowing our sins
created by our forefathers
perpetuated
to now
ancient toxic bonds
killing all of our
already tired and ragged souls

in rooms our fathers would not
let them break us apart
with the determination to change
so we can finally speak
as equals
instead of finding our end
sitting in a work truck 
smelling of beer and sweat
in an empty parking lot
with a gun in our mouths

because we’ve been told
it’s better to take our own lives
when things get too bad
it’s what heroes do

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