Blue Collar Poetry

In Steve Hall’s collection of straight-on, say-what-I-mean, mean-what-I-say poems, this blue collar fella lays out his code of honor, e.g.:What I AreNow I’m not the smartest guyAnd I’m not the best lookinI had choices, created myselfA once wanderin soul, now homeDon’t worry bout normal too oftenSometimes I act like I’m a bit crackedI like flashy clothes, bright colorsI do stuff on a whim, no plansNow I try to live the life of goodI like helping those who can’tI’ll always lend a hand if neededA loyal friend you can rely onI like many types of music! Not Rap!!I like a good book and silencePrefer a long, quiet walk in the woodsCrowds I’ll do but don’t really like themThe party life doesn’t interest meDrinking a lot daily, it’s not meBars are ok, but not for meJust a few friends and beer at homeNow I’m not really the athletic typeBut I like to play and have funThose who have to win at all costsI don’t have use for, life’s too shortDon’t like formal, keep it simpleLike cold beer, not pricey wineFine dining is great, prefer a local pubEasy to please, I’m not complicatedThese are things, I am and am notNot everything just some stuffIt’s just the basics most of the timeNow in my life 'a satisfied mind'Worry, yelling and threats stoppedI do what I like, it’s my lifeFamily will always come forefrontAnd forefront is where you will see JoDon’t worry bout yesterdayDon’t fret bout tomorrowJust relax and enjoyThe beauty in today