Did you forget ?

Did you forget?

That every time I found something I handed it in?

Whether it be a gold ring, or shitty plastic bracelet spelling someone’s name?

I figured it was sentimental.

Did I get a thank you when you asked who found it ?

NO

In fact, they didn’t even call me by name

“ That lass…cleaner…”

A description.

Did you forget?

When I held the door open for you?

That I stepped aside?

Did you forget?

That day after day, we do the work

That you won’t ?

Did you forget?

That time I worked so hard I fainted?

Was ill for days with headaches and dizzy spells?

Did you forget?

That everyone has DBR checks ?

Did you forget?

That you shouldn’t be stood there talking ?

Did you forget?

That you sit drinking tea and eating biscuits

When we’re running around, trying to work as fast and efficiently as possible?

Did you forget?

To clean up after yourself ?

Did you forget?

That time I caught you bitching ?

Your face stiffened up, you stopped breathing ?

And yes I heard.

Did you forget?

To read?

You don’t seem to take any notice of the warning signs.

Did you forget?

That the ENTIRE, FUCKING, dining room

 has to be swept and mopped ever night ?

No- you don’t notice, don’t believe.

Did you forget?

That when you’re off on your Jollys,

We’re here, working ?

Did you forget?

Why my favourite colleague quit ?

Did you forget?

I’m here by choice?

Did you forget?

That you’re not my boss ?

Did you forget?

To report that shit?

All smeared and smelly,

Did you think it would go away?

That I would shrug my shoulders

 and say “… nay that’s just today”.

Did you forget?

That we work fewer hours than you?

Did you forget?

We have to think of others?

It’s health and safety I have to keep an eye out?

Did you forget?

That they’re having trouble finding people?

Did you forget?

If we’re not here, you have to do our work?

Did you forget?

I certainly haven’t

Did you forget?

We scrub things down you cant even think of?

Did you forget?

Other people work here?

Did you forget?

The gloves we wear hurt our hands?

Make our skin crack and peel?

So no I wont be wearing them for 4 hours a day.

Did you forget?

I can go my own way?

Did you forget?

My toes are on the threshold

One more nudge.

And I’ll be walking out the door.