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 Are

Now I'm not the smartest guy

And I'm not the best lookin

I had choices, created myself

A once wanderin soul, now home

Don't worry bout normal too often

Sometimes I act like I'm a bit cracked

I like flashy clothes, bright colors

I do stuff on a whim, no plans

Now I try to live the life of good

I like helping those who can't

I'll always lend a hand if needed

A loyal friend you can rely on

I like many types of music! Not Rap!!

I like a good book and silence

Prefer a long, quiet walk in the woods

Crowds I'll do but don't really like them

The party life doesn't interest me

Drinking a lot daily, it's not me

Bars are ok, but not for me

Just a few friends and beer at home

Now I'm not really the athletic type

But I like to play and have fun

Those who have to win at all costs

I don't have use for, life's too short

Don't like formal, keep it simple

Like cold beer, not pricey wine

Fine dining is great, prefer a local pub

Easy to please, I'm not complicated

These are things, I am and am not

Not everything just some stuff

It's just the basics most of the time

Now in my life "a satisfied mind"

Worry, yelling and threats stopped

I do what I like, it's my life

Family will always come forefront

And forefront is where you will see Jo

Don't worry bout yesterday

Don't fret bout tomorrow

Just relax and enjoy

The beauty in today