A Chinese Factory Life

A young female factory worker in China hears of Western ways and wants out.

the sun peeks in
another day to survive
put on my smile
walk among the living
as the clock keeps ticking

birds chirp, i frown
they disturb my sadness
my self pity frown
people smile, i turn away
another endless back breaking day

i watch the clock
every minute an hour
covered in choking linen dust
from head to toe
same task, more fabric to sew

i hear about a land far away
stories of happiness
in whispered ways
people work where they desire
luxury items they acquire

a fairyland it seems
wild senseless dreams
for a woman who does
what her mother did before

Contentment is all I ask for.


By Kathie Stehr