David Moreau
Ellie’s reading the community college brochure
and talking about becoming a CNA or a PT assistant,
complaining to Gina how long it takes,
Just to make fifteen bucks an hour
instead of ten oh nine.
Extra money for cigarettes and tattoos,
I tweak them. I can be an asshole, I know.
It’s more than that really. It’s having enough
to buy oil for the winter or bring your kids
to the doctor.
Of course she wants the government to pay
and remains convinced it’s the Somalians
in Tall Pines or the girl down the street on AFDC
taking all the tax money. I’m always arguing
she’s got it wrong. It’s the rich who cost
more than the poor.
I used to cry every day when I worked at Tambrands,
Ellie tells me. Now I love my job,
but I just can’t get by. She’s good at it too -
gentle and dependable. Roland and Noelle
would hate to see her go.
Ellie’s back can’t take CNA work,
Gina confides in me. She’s better off here.
Gina’s only twenty – three and taking pain
medication herself and I know there’s days
she just shuts up and lifts.
We figure she’ll make it in nursing school
because she’s book smart, but Ellie – maybe
she’ll find a guy to match her tank top –
You Better Make More Than I Can Spend.
David Moreau
Member, Class of 2009
Voices Institute National Leadership Program
This poem is lovely and very beautifully portrays the hard labor that direct care can be and even when you try to get your CNA license how little it can change your pay and income status. It is a sad fact that many direct care workers end up with serious back injuries from all the hard labor of transferring and lifting etc. I love to read poems that are focused on real people, real lives and real experiences in a way that shines a compassionate light on their plight. Thank you David
David I have been a fan since I bought your book several years ago. I hope you shared some of it with your fellow institute participants. You have a gift for saying things in a way that will be remembered.
Lisa Burck, President, National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals