Remains Of The Day

Soft amber glow as the fireplace crackles
three hungry children, a crop in the field
spirit dragged down by poverty’s shackles
fingers worked to the bone, skin cracked and peeled

Galvanized steel tub, warm and inviting
a dirty dress in town, folks laugh and scoff
the old man is drunk, tired of the fighting
sleepless nights from a racking coal dust cough

Wisps of steam drift and the feel of the sponge
sweat on her face hides the ocular drips
such a beautiful face covered in grunge
she’s tired of heavy loads and aching hips

Rose soap on the step, sweet heavenly scent
they can’t make ends meet on such meagre pay
alone in her world, she soaks and feels spent
but leaves in the tub remains of the day