by the bars

on our eyes

you will know us

without wanting to

see our teeth

black from sugar

so much play

and no work

makes me ennui

said the hotel

where you met us, came to greet us

in Sunday courage clothes

because you bore us

you will know us

by the reports in our files

while our blood brings

old medicine

to the surface

you will see us sweating heavy

in the hospital gorse

and notice that

our skin is worse