Cotton Fields to the Assembly Line (poem) by Tommy L Thomas on AuthorsDen

Cotton Fields to the Assembly Line
by Tommy L Thomas → (All Poetry by Tommy L Thomas)
Rated "G" by the Author.

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The cotton fields and picking it was a job under the 100 degrees sun. We won. But the transition to build automobiles was just as tasking.
COTTON FIELD TO ASSEMBLY LINE The heat and picking this cotton makes make me weak A new job and away from here I seek The Assembly Line up North I’ll give a try Because if I keep picking this cotton I’m gonna die. I will leave this home in Tennessee To try for a job in the Motor City Ford, General Motors and Chrysler is my ticket to freedom I thought so until I found out where they were coming from. Those 12 hour shifts seven days a week Even with the money good life was bleak I’m hurting so bad from lifting half a car I need a drink bad from the local bar. As I end my shift when the whistle blow I leave my work station weary and head for the door Knowing tomorrow I’ll be back for more Got to soak my feet and aching body from head to toe. Didn’t make it to the bar to get that drink of wine Not enough energy left from the assembly line Before this new technology we lifted steel by hand Built our bodies to match and this testimony will stand. My lover keep asking me if I work out at the gym I tell her yes take the Y out and You have G.M. They have a 12 hour concept That will build your body and biceps By lifting half a car from 5 to 5 Your body grows strong for you to survive. If pumping iron at Powerhouse is your cup of tea Come see what real men do at the Big Three I’ve come to have a new body and a new mind that’s fine I’ve made the transition from cotton field to assembly line.

Reviewed by Sister Deborah Young

Reviewed on July 13, 2009

Tommy: By now, you must know I am a fan and just how much I love your writings, "Great Job!" Sis. "D"

Reviewed by Karen Palumbo

Reviewed on April 8, 2009

Wow, that is some transition. The only two factory jobs I had a long time ago was wire soddering mother boards and tool and dye, had my fill and moved on. Those twelve hour days are a killer....

Be always safe,
Karen

Reviewed by Will Bates

Tommy, great write! I understand the bowels of the factory all too well. Youv'e inspired me. Thanks, Will

Reviewed by Regis Auffray

Cleverly written and very meaningful; thank you, Tommy. Love and peace,

Regis