Bleach

May 18

By Maria Benboudjemaa

She peered at her hands
Rough, wrinkly and dry
From the bleach that seeped
through her gloves.
They used to be smooth
So easy for her lover to slip the
Wedding ring on
Stroking his hair after a long day
from work. But he is long gone now
And she is left with a child she needs
To feed. It will be so much easier
To just give up. Give up
Waking up before sunrise
And stepping out into the cold.
The stench of patients wafting around the
Hospital. Out of breath as she bent down to
Sweep the corners of the rooms.
Nobody even looked at her
As she worked, hours upon hours,
She washed the bed sheets
Stained with urine and blood. Nobody
Even said hello… Nobody but the
Two other women who worked the third and
Fifth floors. Also, with families to
Feed. So much easier to give up
But who else would take
Their place at a time like this?
She tightened her fist. A determined
Look in her eyes. They need me
To help them… but who would help
Her?