Up at the crack of dawn everyday
And knowing there's a long way to go.
Every routine, every little quirk,
It comes and it goes, the same, daily.
Load up your gun, strap on your vest,
Grab up your keys and get on the truck.
Fend off the ones who look down on you,
And get back home at night alive.
Not the path I thought I'd take,
Not where I wanted to be ten years from when;
Everyday out on that truck, black and white,
Usually more like black and blue.
It's a love/hate relationship,
I love the twists and danger involved,
Hate the hours, the pay, and the bull...
It'll stop someday, I keep telling myself.
Not fond of the man in charge,
Not fond of those I work with,
Really hate those I work for,
Not thrilled about depending on a gun.
My world is made of armor so strong,
My life is covered in other people's money.
I'm starting to miss the sunshine,
And hating wearing polyester in the rain.
One shiny badge, one loaded gun,
A million gripes from customers,
A zillion more pounds to lift,
But at least I'm at the beach!
Can't say I hate my job,
But can't say I love it, either.
Don't want this to be a career,
So I say it's just a job.
Author notes
This is... wow... not my best work. LOL! But this was fun to write!
Anyway, a little explaining for the contest at hand. I work in armored transport (money trucks) as a messenger. Lots of things about the job I hate, but lots I love, too. I wear a uniform, ride around in black and white trucks, wear a badge, carry a gun, and deal with incredibly nasty customers most of the day. I average about 60 to 75 hours of work a week, and my recent route has been to the beach about four aways from our base. The "man in charge" isn't my direct boss, I actually like him, but the district manager. He frightens me. Just to clarify some of the things I said in the piece.
Hope this is what you were looking for!
Written May 14th, 2005
In a list
A contest entry
- I work my fingers to the bone [Contest] by Anulka.
350 points, ended May 27, 2005, 2 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
-
Oh, that illusive writing career. Yes, I actually have a journalism degree. But I think it's easier to get a book published then to get a job in that field. LOL!
-
I'm with Torn Chakra; this is a really good piece, and having read the prompt, it fits really well with the contest. My favorite stanza was the one that went:
"My world is made of armor so strong,
My life is covered in other people's money.
I'm starting to miss the sunshine,
And hating wearing polyester in the rain."
Because it was just so eloquent, so powerful! I also like what you said about it being a job, not a career. You did a wonderful job of mixing the things you like with the things you don't like. I wish you the best of luck in finding a satisfying career... Have you considered writing?
Yeah, I'd tell you all the other things I love about this write but we'd be here from now til the end of the world so I'll just let it rest, and say instead, awesome write!!! So sincere... 
-
Aunt Erin, I have to disagree. This was great; it did exactly what it was meant to do; take us into your life and show us exactly what you see and deal with every day. I think that you did awesome with this and I really loved how descriptive you were. Great job! Good luck in the contest.
Jess -
This is very good. It almost felt like a ride-along. You've done a good job in explaining your job in great style. Good luck in the contest!
Adding your comment:
