For stability, you should double
stack firewood, my neighbor
offers. Don't think
cause you're old you always know
best, I reply. Your woodpile is
filthy. Vermin spawn
between the rows. Mice
and centipedes, spiders and roaches,
all thrive there. They sneak into
your house, late at night,
to breed in cereal boxes and coffee
cans. It's true, the old man
sighs. I make a single pile
rising toward heaven;
before I can finish it falls.