FredPeyer

Human Merchandise

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