He manages
like somebody
carrying a box
that is
too heavy,
first with
his arms
underneath.
When their strength
gives out,
he moves
the hands
forward,
hooking them
on the
corners,
pulling the
weight against
his chest.
He moves
his thumbs
slightly
when the
fingers begin
to tire,
and it makes
different muscles
take over.
Afterward,
drains out
of the arm
that is
stretched up
to steady
the box
and the arm
goes numb.
But now
the man
can hold
underneath again,
so that
he can
go on
without ever
putting the box down.