Row after row of
Rattling machines,
She sits alone
Surrounded by many
Others just like her,
No talking permitted,
Mind-numbing repetition
Wearing down her
Brain – hands – dignity,
Cacophonous clattering
Claiming her hearing.
Day in, day out,
Dawn to dusk,
Under constant scrutiny,
Quality control,
Not quality of life.
A continent away,
A woman in an upscale store
Chatters happily
About her purchase.
