Blue Collar Honor

So many want only to decorate
Over life, dapple in shiny paint

From responsibility, they choose to excuse
Their delicate hands from such a bruise
They are irked, if asked to lurk
In the murk of work

They think they are owed a road
That is freely breezy
After all, it is easy
To do what is easy

To do what is hard
Takes more regard
Elbow grease ain't pretty
But you need nitty-gritty
To build a city

It is not the starry-eyed seeker of fame
Who is processing your insurance claim
Or unclogging your drains, or growing your grains

That sleek-cheeked, vainglorious movie star
Isn't down at the garage, fixing your car
Spare me the confetti and pompous flash
My admiration is for those picking up my trash

Let's cheer the truck driver and the cashier
The factories and taxis that bring jobs here
The blue-collar unions that creates careers

From lessons of concessions during depressions
A paycheck's a better bet
Than esoteric expressions.

7/06/20
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Watt Avatar
July 24, 2020 at 12:19 PM
Michelle, I love your paean to substance over style. Some great rhymes and wordplay used to excellent effect to honor the uncommon heroics of the "common" men and women around us doing the bulk of the work. I think "They are irked, if asked to lurk / In the murk of work" is very clever. Great write, going in my faves ~ John
Proxenos Avatar
July 23, 2020 at 7:46 AM
I answered your poem a 2nd time Michelle. I reread it - great write. Hugs, Jennifer.
Proxenos Avatar
July 23, 2020 at 7:44 AM
Hi Michelle, I agree with you all the way there are the arrogant successful in life and the thankful workers, the blue collar workers are to be admired - Bravo for these wonderful words! I wish more people would think this way. Blessings my friend, Jennifer.
Leffanta Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 3:17 PM
You have really put together some solid work in this one; well done! Aloha! Rico
Proxenos Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 11:37 AM
I could'nt agree with you more Michelle, - ' My admiration is for those picking up my trash' - a thoughtful write in tribute of the men and women that make the world a healthier and cleaner place for us to live in. Blessings and hugs dear friend. Jennifer.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
July 6, 2020 at 6:10 PM
I'm celebrating this one! <3
Pandit Avatar
July 6, 2020 at 5:32 PM
I share your sentiments, Michelle--great tribute you wrote to the essential worker.
Wolf Avatar
July 6, 2020 at 3:51 PM
Oh, we just love this one, Michelle! -- America's 'deplorables' (Hilary sent us). lol. Thanks, Gershon
Faulkner Avatar
July 6, 2020 at 3:55 PM
I had a feeling you would especially like this one, gw!
Sands Avatar
July 6, 2020 at 3:35 PM
Great one Michelle :)
Faulkner Avatar
July 6, 2020 at 3:54 PM
Thank you, Heidi.
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