Thomas Mansfield Poet Verse

Notes About The Poem

I was in the London underground station at Heathrow Terminal 4. It was morning and there was a black lady cleaning the platform. She had such a proud look on her face; yet it was tinged with a sadness and resignation, which touched me. Looking around that same platform where she worked, I could see the people, in all sorts of dress - from tourists in shorts and flip flops, to businessmen in smart suits. They seemed totally oblivious to her and some had the audacity to look down their noses at her as she tried to sweep near them. She was doing her job. And she was doing it well. We all need to stop and think sometimes.

The Dignity of It All

The Dignity Of It All

Don’t look me in the eye
Don’t look at me and sigh
Or shake your head and wonder why

As I walk along the street
Ensuring our eyes never meet
I frown, and look down at my feet

A mere and simple cleaner
Don’t laugh at my demeanour
Don’t be sad, for there are no keener

No barrister am I
No educated guy
Don’t look me in the eye!

That dirty, menial task
Which for nobody would ask
(Nor do I behind this subtle mask)

I pick your rubbish of the floor
While you hurry through the door
Who am I to ask for more?

But if you gave another look
You’d surely bring yourself to book
For my “lack of pride” you’ve sure mistook

I may clean up all your dregs
But I’m not one who begs
Not while I can stand on my own two legs

Don’t think that it’s a pity
As you travel through the city
Don’t dare question my dignity!

For you see I’m very proud
Of that I’d shout aloud
Above the heads of any crowd

Because, in my mind, I guess
Somebody must clean up your mess
Though it’s me I am no less

An honest person - just like you
Who takes pride in what they do
(Is there a moral in here too?)

Don’t look me in the eye
We just can’t see eye to eye
As I pick up your junk and sigh.

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Maritza Pagan August 7, 2014 at 12:31 PM I love it. We see so many people throughout our lifetime and never know there story. My hat off to you for dignity is a beautiful coat to wear. Thank you for sharing. Thomas Mansfield August 7, 2014 at 3:57 PM Hi Maritza and thank you for commenting. I did not know this lady either. But I sensed a pride, a dignity, an inexplicable, intangible presence, as she silently worked her way along the platform. She must have caught me looking as she momentarily stopped, looked up and looked me straight in the eye, before lowering her eyes again and continuing on her way.

Casarah Nance July 26, 2014 at 4:54 PM That is great! No one is better or worse than anyone else, and to know that you do what you do with pride, at least you are doing something! that is worthy of applause,I love that "i may clean up all your dregs, but I'm not the one who begs..." I really dig this poem a lot! Thomas Mansfield August 7, 2014 at 3:53 PM Hi Casarah and thank you for your lovely words. There was such a look in this woman's eyes that morning. I could not help but admire her pride - in herself not one of the 7 deadly sins pride... hence dignity... Good for her!! She held her own among everyone. :)