The Dignity of It All
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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
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.
Copyright © Thomas Mansfield | Year Posted 2014
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