Sweatshop
Waking up in darkness everyday
Leaving work in darkness every night
I barely remember what the sunlight even looks like
Shaky hands don’t stay here long
My foot moves up and down as I guide the fabric through
Those around me stare down, thinking of nothing, for this is their only memory
Children and adults alike, old and young doing the same in an endless infinity
Time slips by, but the hunger and fatigue are here to stay
Each is here for their life, surviving is made impossible without submission
Do not slow, do not speak, retain your bodily functions
Take the abuse, breathe in the mold, forget the ceiling is dipping down, the walls are cracked
The money is not much, but they tell us it is enough
Pennies an hour, and we should be thankful
They say it is for our own good, that we need to join the World Market
We need to contribute to the human race, instead of being a burden
I have worked here my whole life, since I was 6 or 7
But I don’t recognize those around me, or even those in charge
I cannot even write or read, I do not know what I am making
Something for the Americans, something bright
While the dulls, like myself, are forced to sweat and bleed for our own lives
I am told I am given a choice,
A choice to starve or toil under the florescent lights
It is you who is given the choice
The choice to buy the cheapest soccer ball
Ripping away my dignity and freedom
As you casually rip off the Made In China sticker
The choice to remain ignorant or to open your eyes wide,
You see, my life is not in my own hands but yours
So I'll ask you just one time
Think before you buy