http://magpiethttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifales.blogspot.com/The stench is palpable
winter,
fish sandwiches,
coffee and sweat,
but the most over-powering element
in the crowded room
is not the smell
but the heavy pall
of loneliness
and tedium...
The back-to-work whistle,
their saving grace
Janet~
I’ve read a couple of these responses to the image. So far, I like this one the best.
ReplyDeleteAnthony...thank-you:) today this means more than it would on some days.
ReplyDeleteSimple words, profound.
ReplyDeleteVivid ... I felt and smelled the lunchroom.
ReplyDeleteI'd agree with Anthony. Your words put me there in the lunch room with you.
ReplyDeletebut the most over-powering element
ReplyDeletein the crowded room
is not the smell
but the heavy pall
of loneliness
and tedium...
The back-to-work whistle,
their saving grace
love the strong imagery your lines painted here, powerful tale.
I've read this poem three times. I want to say how much I like it, but I can't find the words. It's simply excellent. I know this place.
ReplyDeletenice...loce the focus on the smells...the smell of tedium and loneliness sits heavy...well done...
ReplyDeleteSaving grace....so true and beautifully spoken Janet!
ReplyDeleteI saw thsi picture somewhere else....... must be popular!
ReplyDeleteLast line is great. Makes the workplace preferable to the canteen.
ReplyDeletei like that you used the smell as part of the poem.. brilliant!!
ReplyDelete