Living In the City

We take care of the tenants in the buildings where we work everyday
but the owners can't seem to comprehend that we don't make enough pay
as porters, handymen, supers and those who man the front doors
we're just trying to survive in a city which we can no longer afford

We mop their floors, walk their dogs and taxis for them we procure
we fix their sinks, deal with their trash and do so much more
we're not asking for a lot but what they want to give us is a crime
we're just trying to live in the city of which we devote our time

Born and bred New Yorkers or Immigrants from every country
we work hard at our jobs and deserve decent salaries
we came with a contract proposal that was justified and fair
they then came back with some bull s*#t with figures from out of the air

Living in the city in the midst of the struggle and strife
living in the city we're just trying to build a life
doing the best we can with what little we have got
it's now time for the RAB Board to get up off the money pot

Living in the city just raising our families
living in the city with sub par salaries
to the RAB Board we don't want to hear any more of your hype
do the right thing or 32BJ will definitely call a strike
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Brown Avatar
September 14, 2010 at 9:36 AM
I enjoyed reading your poetry this morning Louise. Never let your pen lay and dry out. The best to you in your writing endeavors whatever they may be. Love, Carol
Culverhouse Avatar
September 13, 2010 at 3:41 PM
interesting poem about a serious issue.
Kendrick Avatar
September 13, 2010 at 10:34 AM
It is not only in cities that people live on less than the poverty level..The elderly who only have SS fixed income live a life of just existing..I know one man who works two and three jobs that just pay minimum wage or a little above home is only to get a bath and sleep six hours before he starts again...Sad ..Sara
A   Avatar
September 13, 2010 at 10:12 AM
wow! Our citiy has a differnet front door.I agree with you on thoughts ao our decent salaries. What a proposal and the strike was the main meaning of it all. Enjoyed your poem,..p.d.
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