The Kitchen Table

Ashtrays overflowing. Chains of fine metals.

Small pliers clipping links about new clasps.

Conversation constant, gossip and bad news

The playpen close by, the children watch TV

Dollar for how many? That ain't a lot of cash.

Hours tick by, backs taunt, time for a stretch

Those diapers are dirty, go change the baby.

Feeding time, it's spaghetti again. Poor food.

We're quiet. Too much noise, you get whackt

That hairbrush, she broke it on my backside

The belt is next! Don't make noise, don't cry.

The kids' table, folding TV tray. Bedtime soon

First day of school tomorrow. Got new shoes.

Those chains add up, those dollars got paid.

I swim in loose sneakers, they got christened

The slap when I got home... well, I won't cry.