making a difference

what difference can be made
with just one man
just a couple of round
uncalloused hands
a belly pressed hard
on a plain buttoned shirt
a coffee stained tie
and a body from dirt

what difference
would one man have made
if indulgence had died
but duty had stayed
with this tender family
to tend through the grind
serving dinner at six
and tucked in at nine

what kind of difference
can one man make
its not very clear
but I know the stakes
my hands will be here
taking good care
that bellies are filled
with the supper we share