Image: Plain hard work (here)
spied a sad looking soul hard at
work oblivious of the surroundings
and none to care for the world
perhaps focussed more
on his immediate
cries of hunger very much cutting
deep into his heart just like the axe
heaved heavily into the log
choices of jobs very much restricted
his age for one was a limiting factor
he could do with whatever he could grab
he could perform easily the chores
given him, that would be the case
a decade ago but age caught up with him
his strength spent his worries magnified
up to a few months ago, he was a good
provider as a responsible father but was
unfortunate to bear fully the brunt
a casualty of the depressing state of affairs
the never-ending conflicts that found its way
to cause harassment of the industry
that provided his bread
despite being a model employee he found
himself all alone when the company folded
thus began the days of crying pain ever
since his retrenchment
and the soothsayers seemed vindicated
they had contended that the economic front
might not be that rosy forthwith
Sherry's at PU's Poetry Pantry #440
Susan at Sunday's Photo Fiction 17 Feb
So much changes within many an industry and always the workers that pay.
ReplyDeleteIt is tough for a hard-working man, the changes that come with age and a brutal workplace.
ReplyDeleteThe man seems to have fallen in bad time. In advanced age he has to work hard to make ends meet. Difficult times.
ReplyDeleteAnd so life goes on.
ReplyDeleteThe way things changes these days some pay a very high price for being left behind...
ReplyDeleteIt is as awful thing to be right about a horrible outcome, but it is grotesque to take pleasure in being right, especially when human suffering is involved.
ReplyDeleteThat's the sad truth when someone not quite able to retire is suddenly without a job. Opportunities are limited.
ReplyDeleteThis is a sad poem, Hank, and I was very moved by the lines:
ReplyDelete‘cries of hunger very much cutting
deep into his heart just like the axe
heaved heavily into the log’;
the alliteration of ‘heaved heavily’ conveys the difficulty the man has in breathing.
The saddest thing about your tale is that it is too often not fiction
ReplyDeleteHow easily industry and magnates shift their focus only to result in many losing their jobs, because profits for them are more important than full employment is for governments. This happens even in advanced and developed countries. Time for another revolution perhaps?
ReplyDeleteSadly this is all too true for many. Great writing Hank!
ReplyDeleteA very sad reality for many who find themselves in a time of transition trying to survive.
ReplyDeleteHi Hank
Sadly you have focused on the evil of the harsh reality of life without work. Nice poetry Hank.😊
ReplyDelete