the aluminum ladder

i shove the wire brush up the flue. black dust falls into my eyes. my shoulders cramp in the narrow brick. i keep scraping the tar. the landlord is waiting for the bill. creosote packs under my fingernails. it won't wash out for a week. i climb down the aluminum ladder. light a cheap cigarette in the driveway. my chest rattles when i inhale. i cough and spit a hard black lump. it slides down the side of my van.