working blues


in Wellington
he was a baker's assistant,
starting at 5 o'clock in the morning.

he cycled down Mt Victoria
to work: a bakkerij
at the top end of Willis Street.

his boss
always made him finish late.
it was his fault
for not working faster.

he wouldn't finish until 2 or 3,
but he'd only get paid
for 8 hours work.

he rode home through town
& up the hill
in chequered baker's pants.