Night Shift
image enhanced by dsnake1
from a photo from imageafter.com
Ah, digging deep into my reserves again. Hardly have time to write anything this week, and if there is that little bit of time, the words just wouldn't come.
Yes, I am posting an old poem again. Have a glimpse of what work I do (or rather used to).
Night Shift
we sit and stare at computer screens
while most people sleep, and dream.
the draughts howl through air-con ducts
whimpering like a wounded dog.
out of the hush a phone rings.
we need to check on a data link.
3a.m. and sleep creeping in
the chugging of printers
churning out volumns
of monotonous messages.
the mag tapes whirl jerkily
digesting mountains of data.
a repair team returns
pack their tools and stretches,
cursing anything under the moon.
the large alarm panel buzzes
flashing a red angry light.
the boss scans some printouts
and decides that we need to take another ride.
another repair team goes out into the night.
29/30 apr 1990
***************
Not a very good piece, I must say. :)
Labels: Poetry, technology, Work
posted by dsnake1 at 9:21 PM
13 Comments:
i think it describes the tedium of night shifts quite well :)
loved that wounded dog image
thank you - i've done night shifts (many years ago) and you have my sympathy
this brought it back
polona,
thank you! the initial problem is trying to stay awake, but after a while, you will get used to it. :)
floots,
thanks.
you too? :)
I don't do night shifts now.
Sounds of the night coming out...
"the draughts howl through air-con ducts"
gautami,
thank you!
and i get to look like a zombie too.:D
i liked the sounds of this. specially in the second stanza, chugging of printers. I could practically hear it. i also liked the wounded dog and the moon image. wonderful play on juxtaposition of very much awake and alive in the middle of the night.
rax,
yes, we have to be pretty alert in the middle of the night. :)
thanks for liking the images.
Worked the nightshift years ago. Hated it.
used to work in night shifts too but at the airport hence would be extremely busy right through....no time to nod off... was fun though!
you too, pat? :)
magiceye,
night shift is fun?
actually, it's not so bad, we have allowances for working that shift. :)
I like it when you post old work. It gives more glimpses into you.
I sure feel the drudgery here. (and understand it, as a listener;it's my husband's field.)
Terrfic line "whimphering like a wounded dog!"
I read this at the right time - it's 1:00 AM here now. I can "feel" it. :)
gel,
thanks!
yes, maybe my older works do let my readers know a bit more about me. :)
and i like reading your opinions, whether in your comments here or the writings in your blog.
andrew,
you are a night owl too. :)
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