Poem for Paula

(Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said she didn't agree with those who said the only jobs available were demeaning and low paid.
Cleaning jobs and work in fast food restaurants were "noble" she said.)

So, now we're noble eh
Are you quite sure we're that way, with our mop and plastic tray?
What is this "noble" really,
what does Oxford have to say?

"Belonging to nobility, of lofty character or ideals"
well, that's a must for heating hasty fatty meals

"Noble, illustrious by title, birth or rank"
undaunted if the men's urinal stank

"morally elevated, stately, magnificent, splendid
and maintaining such a state until our graveyard shift has ended

"imposing , impressive in appearance -eg; a noble horse, cellar
"Ah, he must be a cleaner, that imposing feller!"

"not tarnishing in air or water, not easily attacked by acid"
putting up with shit all day, while seeming placid

"gaseous element of a group that almost never combines with other elements"
No, that's not our description.
But it could be Paula Bennet's.

by Don Franks ( cleaner)

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