Quittin' Time

Seemed like eons to Pa since he began another daily grind. The more he tried to stay ahead, the further he got behind! The boss harassed him all day long - nothin' at all went right. "Lord, have mercy!" he prayed. "Relieve me of my miserable plight!" First, he botched a simple job on his drillin' and planin' machine, Causin' him chagrin and agitatin' the boss, who made a scene! This blunder brought work on the line to a three hour cessation, Causin' the boys in the front office very little jubilation! Pa ate his balogna sandwich alone avoidin' the hostile bunch, Thinkin' ill of Ma who forgot to pack a Twinkie for his lunch! He mused, "Help me through this day without gettin' fired, Lord! Only twenty years 'til retirement - an axin' I just can't afford!" He gave his all that afternoon, aware he'd blemished his career, Heedin' details and avoidin' the boss whenever he came near! He waited for the shift to end, the siren to sound quittin' time, And gettin' home to his lovin' clan and much needed peace sublime! Quittin' time finally came and he joined the fleein' herd. Met by his adorin' brood, they asked him what that day occured. He hugged and kissed each one, answerin' with a puckish smile, "Oh, nothin' much, 'cept the plant was idled for quite a while!" Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired © All Rights Reserved