MILK & SUGAR.

we work to survive

in a world not built

for hands like ours.

stomach ache

and pockets clean

to set the tables

for the people with money.

i am tired.

you are tired.

we come home to

a house unkept,

dishes stacked in a metal sink

we've ignored for some time.

and i can't remember

what the sun looks like,

just the moon 

on the drive home.

and our bodies ache

for the sake of pay,

stretched over a sofa

we'll surely fix tomorrow.

but every penny

from every shorted check

won't compare to the joy

of mixing milk and sugar

in your travel mug

and standing by your side

to face it all together.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

A powerful and worthwhile poem. New world in the USA. Isn't so easy. I liked the honest words and thought. A strong ending to the amazing poetry dear poet.
Coyote

[Sky]

I think if we have someone in our lives to share the difficulties that we are facing in today's world is blessing.

[Lira Noen]

I felt every ache in this, but also the comfort of knowing some battles are worth fighting for when you're not fighting alone❤️🕊️

[Nijay]

Yea, such a reality which turns many of us to God.

[ETERNITY]

In complete agreement, Emunah June. It's not a hobby, is it? It is survival.
So many memories of my co workers when I waited on tables, they'd cry because their check would show they owed the establishment because their tips were more than allowed. More than ALLOWED? Try waiting on a table full of drunks puking and you have to clean it up knowing you're not getting a tip at all.
I love this writing of yours even though it brought back memories I hate. (smiles) Thanks, Emunah June.

[John the Baptist]

Hard, ongoing work just to keep your mouth above the waves. And no relief in sight. But the last two verses assure us the human spirit will prevail. Loved it.

[Emunah June.]

Truly, my husband is my only lifeline these days. We both work extremely long hours to bring home a decent income, and we mourn the lost sleep, but at least we're sleepy together. Thank you so much for the review, and I am so elated you enjoyed it.

[petec3638]

After 25 years of retirement we still remember the toil off the 9 to 5 (or longer) existence.

Now we are together all day and every day
We still work long hours at our self inflicted hobbies. House and garden jobs + various hand crafts

[Relic]

This is a beautifully written poem about real love. I really like the cadence of it. Nice one!

[Emunah June.]

Thank you so so much! It definitely feels real to me, so Im glad that shined through.

[DIVYA]

This poem is such a powerful portrayal of the daily grind, its aches and pains. Everyday becomes the same sh** another day and one tends to wonder if its all worth it. Its livelihood and its bondage. Something I truly relate to, having worked 9 to 5 for the better part of my life.

And yes! Having someone close makes the journey much easier and better. Loved how you used a domestic setting to convey the tiredness, exhaustion.

"and i can't remember
what the sun looks like,
just the moon
on the drive home."

That really hit me hard!

P.s. The artwork is beautiful too!

[Emunah June.]

Daily grind is a real, powerful thing. I have worked 180 + hours in the last two weeks, and Im set to work roughly the same amount these next two weeks. Its a struggle, but a welcome one. I am so so glad you enjoyed it.

[JessyJacob]

I see if people still try to use my law throw on me showing what I did, 😁 definitely that home with pizza delivery, Swiggy door knock no vegetable and no meat just roaming with nude bodies cigarette bin filled with ashes beer bottles even you forget your own rituals of lifting candles. ..
This what happens when KCN a drug poured into milk instead of sugar ..

Just a life how it would be..
I see people here 24 7 write and drink beer. ...I don't think need to be loved . What good you learned when your teacher taught so much. .. power knows whom to change who can realise mistake but noone can change only will dump them when they don't even want to change. . simple mistakes doesn't power you do magic to eat food ...
Kindly

[Emunah June.]

Im really sorry, but Im afraid I dont quite understand what youre trying to tell me here. I hope you liked the poem!! And Im sorry if you didnt.

[JessyJacob]

I liked your lines, but it's not for you sitting or not working. I want you too stand on your legs instead of making them as seat....
I am in my frustrations and nobody cares every one needs something but nobody knows I my son and you are sufering...

[JessyJacob]

God and myself thought we will not suffer our son, it was good for a reason that we made son to split parents it was wrong and then you had to solve your problem then made me other side and still problem persists second mistake and now you are creating problems that is making us suffer everyone including my son.... Do you think are we capable in changing anyone we lost our own ability I am trying to resolve and never just hiding but my son crying..you don't care about it. Again I started crying and you were already crying..

[JessyJacob]

Nowadays I thought suffering teaches but people are coming out with others suffering then who suffer are not God's....

[JessyJacob]

Gods mean they are human too.

[JessyJacob]

I see one lady is doing much timepass sitting and eating. But guys are using time so efficiently..read moreI see one lady is doing much timepass sitting and eating. But guys are using time so efficiently..
Poor wife cleaning s**t how is that husband who just eats as if utilising

[Laz K.]

the "proletariat" still struggles against the "bourgeoise" - this time in the west. greed respects no national boundaries, so it makes sense that once the exploiters exploit the ones in far away lands, they now have to vampirize their own subjects. solidarity with one's fellow sufferers is all that's left.

[Emunah June.]

The endless cycle of work is definitely taking its toll and both myself and my husband, but as long as we have each other, its not all that bad. At least, not yet.