Don't Forget To Punch Your Time Card

Live your life, do your work, then take your hat. - Thoreau

dad worked for a company that made plumbing and heating valves

he and his workmates wore blue collars

none of them were paid a lot of dollars

in that, there was no shame

everyone and everything had a nickname

there was "porkchop", the alcoholic

"chicken", who looked like one

"garlic joe" with his well-seasoned breath

"brother bo" who liked to preach the gospel and was a confessor

and none the lesser was dear, diligent, ever-dependable dad with his pocket protector and glasses,

known affectionately as the professor

at the end of each shift,

they would wash their hands together

at a giant, circular sink operated by a lowly, foot pedal

known simply as, "the frog pond"

as together, in unison, they sighed and yawned

Reviews

[Amanda Reynolds]

I love the storytelling in your poem. I also love the description of the comradery between your dad and his co-workers. And in the end of the poem and at they end of their day, they seem settled and ready to do it again, and they and had each other.

[Pete]

yes, that how it was - they clung to each other with a sense of humor and loyalty to keep their sanity and make it through the day. thanks so much for sharing thoughts.

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

That sort of labour is probably now replaced with robots. I hate AI with a vegenance. Love it the way they would wash hands together
Great write

[Pete]

all true and worthy of undying respect. thank you julie.

[MCS]

This speaks to a different age when perhaps one earned less but somehow that wasn’t the whole purpose. Well done Pete :)

[Pete]

a different age for sure. was remembering this recently now that he's no longer with us - he did what he could for us with limited resources and always went to work no matter. thank you for sharing thoughts.

[MCS]

That's how my dad was. I really enjoyed your words here.

[Sami Khalil]

Sir Pete!
This was a sneak peek into your dad's hard working days, his co-workers , their humor and work ethics.
New generation is totally different.
Awesome..

[Pete]

it's interesting, the things we remember about our dearly departed love ones.

[Sami Khalil]

I agree wholeheartedly. You are welcome dearly living.

[Thomas W Case]

Powerful work. Vivid and sharp.

[Pete]

thank you twc.