Early Street

A round robin as this was stimulated by Einstein Noodle's 'Street Sweeper' http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/rIGt2mAk3/2095207/

The sun is yet to rise

and the noise and bustle,

has not begun to emanate from

the cruelty of the city

as they pass him

in his earnest but detached

early morning task,

as though he did not exist.

Through bleary eyes they

drag themselves towards another

empty day, repeating

the day before

and the day before that.

And tomorrow they will

do it all again, but

know it is the last before

the weekend arrives,

when they will not pass

him for two whole mornings.

But he will still be there

silently watching the world

from afar as he sweeps.

 

15/02/19

Author's Note

Reviews

[andrew mitchell]

Most people do the important jobs remaining invisible.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Yes we take them for granted as utilitarian beings. Thanks Andrew.

[Gee]

Would quite like that job myself if it paid more. Nowt to worry about, just toodle off in the morning with a brush and cart and turn back up at the depot 8 hours later....bliss

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Just what I was thinking when I saw the image in my minds eye. Perhaps we should start our own up market street cleaning service where people can also plug in their iPhones to charge from the carts, watch the news on the integrated display and receive advice on investments, business decisions, love life and the universe from the sweepers!

[Chris Shaw]

These people are public servants doing a job which is tedious and most people don't appreciate. One such person near us got a honour one new year for his continual service over a lifetime. He deserved it. You honour the likes of the street cleaner yourself in this tribute. A cheery hello when we pass them wouldn't go amiss. Good morning John.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Morning Chris. Indeed so. Often we pay them no attention and see them insignificant. People who have simpler lives can sometimes be happier. I know that coming from a poor neighbourhood in the Glasgow East End. Many thanks.

[john l smith]

these people are the unseeable necessities of society that are so poorly compensated, they can barely support their existence, oh, unless they belong to a huge strong union and then society can't afford them.
Nice to have someone notice these unnoticeables and even write a poem in recognition

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I totally agree. Bows, I thank you dear sir.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

there are some jobs that we forget...the workers blend into the scenery...we hardly know they are there, and yet, they are watching, observing...
and then cleaning up after us...shaking their heads. And then maybe writing it down somewhere...

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Exactly as I saw it in my minds eye Jacob. Many thanks.

[Lorry]

What a clever way of saying they aren't there on weekends, to not notice what they don't notice through the week.
Oh! That thought left my head thinking I had either licked a battery or had a stroke had both, snd can confirm they are the same)
Really like the style of this, which is crying out for a part 2 from the sweepers pov :)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Cheers Lorry. So glad you liked it. Can I borrow the battery as I could do with some stimulation lol!
Now you gone and done it. You planted the idea in my head..................................................