Look beyond your perfect rooms,
through false pride and see
my Mother's red-raw hands
and worn-out knees from scrubbing
and polishing brass and crystal glass,
and sweeping rugs, plumping cushions,
laying fires and black-leading grates.
Always on duty. Long before my birth,
yet I see it all - feel it, in fact:
just fourteen and already broken,
emaciated and underfed;
berated for grubby apron and cap
that she'd had no time to change.
And all this toil for what?
So you can impress your snobby guests!
What right have you to act so haughtily,
with all your shallow hypocrisy
and idle lily white hands?
Aah...scathing disrespect was all you bestowed
upon one who enabled you to live
in the lap of luxury-loving laziness -
the one who gave me life.
Oh now she's gone, but the legacy lives on:
the ignorant rich are the pits.
through false pride and see
my Mother's red-raw hands
and worn-out knees from scrubbing
and polishing brass and crystal glass,
and sweeping rugs, plumping cushions,
laying fires and black-leading grates.
Always on duty. Long before my birth,
yet I see it all - feel it, in fact:
just fourteen and already broken,
emaciated and underfed;
berated for grubby apron and cap
that she'd had no time to change.
And all this toil for what?
So you can impress your snobby guests!
What right have you to act so haughtily,
with all your shallow hypocrisy
and idle lily white hands?
Aah...scathing disrespect was all you bestowed
upon one who enabled you to live
in the lap of luxury-loving laziness -
the one who gave me life.
Oh now she's gone, but the legacy lives on:
the ignorant rich are the pits.
Excellent writing, my dear friend!!!
ReplyDeleteI can see her and feel the aches and pains she feels!
Personally, I like a neat home but lived in.
I don't mind a bit of dust nor do I mind cobwebs in a few corners...as a matter of fact I like them :)
You are so talented!!!
Great Big Hugs 💕💞💕
Oh thank you so much, dearest Jan!
DeleteI absolutely love the old series of "Upstairs Downstairs" from the 70s, and every few years I watch them all over again.
This poem grew from there...I became a daughter of one of those poor hard-worked maids.
So glad I wasn't born into that era!!
I am going away for a long weekend...so here's wishing you a magical one!:))
All my Love & Hugs xoxoxo
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWonderfully writing.. For many, in a way, not much has changed, other than the rhetoric to those who complain.
ReplyDeleteYes, so true, Anthony.
DeleteAnd many thanks.:))
So well done!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy reading your words, these were excellent.
Wishing you a good weekend and safe travels.
All the best Jan
Oh thank you, Jan...so much!
DeleteI really appreciate that.:))
There is a lot to be said for authenticity, so lacking, so much of the time. Thank you for your thoughtful and thought provoking words Ygraine. Hugs to you!😊
ReplyDelete...and thank you so much for reading!
DeleteNot too sure how I'd have coped in a situation like that...not very well I imagine.:/
Big Hugs back! :))
i visualized myself in your beautiful poem dear Ygraine!
ReplyDeleteyou are truly an honest poet to draw images through your powerful words.
Oh you are so kind, dearest Baili...thank you so much.:))
DeleteA Hug xoxoxo
Amazing writing my friend!! So authentic!!
ReplyDeleteSending you big hugs and much love!!
Oh thank you, Sweetie...and here's wishing you a truly magical autumn day!! :))
DeleteMuch Love & Hugs xoxoxo
Oh thank you, Sweetie...and here's wishing you a truly magical autumn day!! :))
DeleteMuch Love & Hugs xoxoxo
I identify myself so much with your poem. My granny worked as a maid for many years for rich people.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
Oh I so hope she was treated much more respectfully than the poor lady in my poem, Cil...life must have been really hard then.:/
DeleteMany thanks.:))
Greetings from a rather damp & dismal Hampshire!
Ego,
ReplyDeletepomposity;
one is the self for all,
one, then is the self for oneself,
reapers.
__ Too, I feel that way about the "Celebrities" and they, that feel they are above all others; they'd not be there if it were not for... "the others." So well written "L"! _m
I totally agree, Doug!
DeleteWhere would any of those people be without their servants?
Living in a total mess, I assume.:/
Thank you so much...:))
Amazing writing Ygraine!! Such intensity and emotions, I am so pulled in to this story of your poem... like a stormy wind blazing through with so many powerful visuals !! My heart goes out to this sweet woman and her world. Thanks for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteHave a magical week
Victoria
Dearest Victoria, my heart-felt thanks for your kind words! They are so precious.:)
DeleteDearest Sister, have a brilliant week too...:))
Big Hugs & Much Love xoxoxo
i have to come back and read more - your words speak strongly and powerful.
ReplyDeleteGosh...such a compliment...thank you...so, so, much! :))
DeleteBig Hugs xoxoxo