A Chinese Factory Life

the sun peeks in
another day to survive
put on my smile
walk among the living
as the clock keeps ticking

birds chirp, i frown
they disturb my sadness
my self pity frown
people smile, i turn away
another endless back breaking day

i watch the clock
every minute an hour
covered in choking linen dust
from head to toe
same task, more fabric to sew

i hear about a land far away
stories of happiness
in whispered ways
people work where they desire
luxury items they acquire

a fairyland it seems
wild senseless dreams
for a woman who does
what her mother did before

Contentment is all I ask for.


By Kathie Stehr