Oude to the Blue Collar Man

Oude to the Blue Collar Man

 

I’m a college grad 

And money is tight

My husband works days

So, I thought I’d work nights

In the Sunday press I saw an ad

And off to the temp agency I ran

The job was blue collar and entry level

The way that I figured, I was quick and clever,

So this job should be easy as ever!

Sure, I’m not physical, sure I’m not tough

But won’t my intellect be enough?

I was about to get schooled

In blue collar rules

And was soon to find out

I knew not what I was talking about

They were all very nice, though their language was crude

If I hadn’t been born blue collar

I’d had consider it rude

The job it was grueling

By morning I was crying

My aching feet felt like they were dying

The line it was crazy and quick

Frankly, my skin wasn’t that thick

In college, you’re often coddled and praised

My foreman surely didn’t manage that way

He spent hours a yelling and cursing

Sure felt like he’d been rehearsing

For a newbee like me to put in her place

I think if he’d been allowed, he would have smacked my tired face

But I was grateful and lucky

For the guys and gals on my line

They were positive and encouraging

And helped me keep things on time

Their work ethic was so damn impressive

I was taught an awesome new lesson

Which I promise to keep on confessing

Respect the blue collar woman and man

Listen to their wisdom, their visions, and plans

And for goodness sakes, lets pay them right

They often work all day and night

They’ve helped to make this country strong

It is unjustifiable to do them wrong

The job they do is beyond grueling

One this sickly college girl couldn’t keep doing

Just want to say thank you for giving me your time,

When it comes to respect, my blue collar friends,

You damn well got mine!

E.J.