Ode to a Janitor

O wiper of windows and wringer of mops,
wheeler of carts and emptier of trash,
you invisible fixer and cleaner--
    Our vomit crusts the sinks!

O proud wearer of the jumpsuit,
with sweat-grayed undershirt beneath,
unabashed shuffler of all-black sneakers--
    Our stale ramen remnants line trash bags!

O bleacher of porcelain and plastic,
scrubber of innumerable surfaces,
king of the industrial cleaning product--
    Our traffic gums the floor with grime!

O unintelligible grumbler of complaints,
hooded downcast eyes brim-full
with righteous resentment--
    Our shower-hair clumps like soggy tumbleweed!

O disconcerting bearer of mystery,
face gouged deep with lines
and folds forged from joy and woe--
    Our young ears remain clogged
        against the wisdom of countless years
            and dirty toilets.