Huddled miserably in the cold morning rain
Faint glow of cigarette in cupped hand
Cobwebs of sleep hanging on tired eyes
Human muscle waiting impatiently
For the arrival of the boss man
Some will get work for a few hours
Some will go hungry for another day
A shrill blast of the horn startling the men
Chests puffed out, need to look good and strong
This here ain’t a place for the week or infirm
“I need five who can lift a hundred pounds”
Twenty-five step forward, able or not
Human merchandise ready for inspection
Ready to do back breaking work for only
A few hours at less than minimum wage
Trying to hide their disappointment, the leftovers
Huddle again with diminished hope waiting for
Another truck of salvation, a chance to
Earn a few dollars to feed their families
But today their children will be starving