Some Men Dig Tunnels

Some Men Dig Tunnels

I.
Inside, there are secret hand signals.
We show others who we are

with our fingers and palms:
both hands held up

in the shape of a donut,
fingertips touching each other,

thumb tips too—
if I put that symbol

in front of my face as I walk,
it signifies that I don't believe in

anything
anymore;

people recognize it
instantly.

 

II.
Some men dig tunnels
to freedom

using only a toothbrush,
I use a few words at a time

until there are thousands, plastic
carving through concrete. Here,

the guard is coming,
I will cover up the hole!