Rope handles fastened to each side –
we will lift this box –
a tug-of-war inside.
Down the hill, we take our time,
keeping hold of this box:
rope handles fastened to each side.
Your knuckles turn white, we sigh;
you tiptoe over the rocks.
A tug-of-war inside.
The box splinters our thighs.
I suggest we stop.
Rope handles fastened to each side.
Hands callused, rope-rubbed till dry.
We sway the box:
a tug-of-war inside.
We stop to peek inside:
a frayed trapeze line stretches across the box.
Rope handles fastened to each side.
A tug-of-war inside.