They’re next to the weight machines
saying words like “snatch” and “jerk”.
Red says Green’s triceps are bigger
than last week, Green says Red’s leg
can’t stop getting thicker. Red has sweat
on his forehead and Green grabs him
some tissue. It’s a Monday, so Green
brings up the weekend with his family
and playing football with his son.
Red looks at the weak, scrunched up
tissue in Green’s knuckles – the way
it’s not putting up a fight to leave –
and listens to plans he wasn’t involved in.

Carl Burkitt 2024