I miss the feel
of turning bolts
torquing them down
into metal blocks
until they seat
and just a little more.

You learn to listen
with your hands
your whole arm
as the bolt stretches
pulling everything together
with the force of many
inclined planes.

As the bolt goes home
There is a point
just short of shear
where the torque rises up
and you know to stop.

It is a thing you feel
and only learn
by going too far
and paying the price
in drilled out bolts
acetylene torches
and cursed hours.