A meager pay for a day’s work
That’s all she’s ever seen
For dusting, sweeping, mopping up
For keeping their house clean.
A scrub brush and a vacuum
Her tools , tools of the trade
She dressed in white, her uniform
Their beds were always made.
She carried a small tote with her
Filled with old grey rags
She cleaned their toilets everyday
Placed trash inside a bag.
She organized their books and pens
Did dishes …. pots and spoons
She took care of everything
Then served them lunch …. at noon.
She rarely spoke , was seldom heard
Prepared their snack at three
Kept to herself as ordered to
Served cookies and hot tea.
At 5 pm, she headed home
She lived all by herself
No one gave a second thought
Or thanked her for her help.
Christmas Day …. she made their dinner
Not a word spoken or mentioned
She spent the day all by herself
Spent Christmas
in the kitchen.
Never thought that she might want
To sit for just awhile
f
Stop and rest, take a break
Put down that kitchen towel.
No presents , cards or wishes
No holiday drinks or cheer
No kind words or offerings
They made this very clear.
There’d be no Christmas bonus
No tips or extra fare
Nothing was done to convey
Or show how much they cared.
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Reblogged from lovenlosses. 12/15/2017.
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Image from Google Images: mipowertechnology.com
lovenlosses 
A very sad thought that people doing the most menial jobs should be forgotten. I hope that’s not too much the case. Here in the UK with the Corona Virus we have recently had a shout out on social media to the cleaners and basic carers on low wages, without whom the surgeons, doctors and nurses really would be totally ineffective. They deserved to be remembered by everyone and especially at Christmas. Have a good Christmas season yourself.
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Thank you so much for your thoughtful response to my poem! Hope you also have A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year! 💙
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This is saddening, yet true… Once more I marvel at your gift of poetry, dear Patty, how you deliver harsh truths in the loveliest rhyme, that stays long after one has read…
Merry Christmas, dear friend!
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Always great to hear from you, Isha! Hope you are well. Thank you for your kind words. Had a calm and peaceful Christmas. Hope that you had a wonderful holiday! Still sheltering in …. s/p Covid outbreak. It’s unusually cold here in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Missing New York! Hope you have a Happy New Year! Best Wishes for 2021!
Prayers for peace and good health. Sending you a virtual hug! 💙
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You are an amazing poet..thanks for sharing.
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Thank you so much! 💙
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