I am awake at first light
There is water to draw
Dough to knead
Floors to sweep
Washing to do.
Meals to cook.
My days are repetitious
Some old day in day out.
But I am content
My life could be worse
My master appreciates me
Gives me time to gather flowers
Time to walk the forest paths
To sit and commune with natures beauty.
I am well aware of others
Far worse off than me.
Though my days are long,
The tedium mind numbing
I take pride in my work
Try to look my best
Always appear in high spirits.
Some nights, the master,
Holds a ball, invites the well to do
To wine, dine and dance the night away.
In my best maids outfit I enjoy the work
A break from the tedium of the everyday
For as long and tiring as the night is
And I drag myself to my bed
And sleep the sleep of the exhausted.
I am pleased for this variation
When so much is monotonous.
Any variance is welcomed
Knowing the alternative is another day
Of banally bland humdrumness.
Written for: http://mindlovemiserysmenagerie.wordpress.com/2014/06/29/prompt-62-chi-ku/
Morpethroad 
Great example of seeing the best in one’s situation!
Thanks so much Yves. Glad you thought so. This was a good challenging prompt.
I am glad you thought so =)
This is wonderful, Michael. If only we could all be this content in our job.
Thank you so much Lyn. It would be nice wouldn’t it. Hope your weekend was good for you.
Beautiful – the elegance of simplicity! 🙂
Thank you Helen that is a lovely comment I appreciate you reading.
That was amazing x
Thank you so much Justine glad you enjoyed it.
🙂
A mother who is needed sees not any of her toil as sacrifice but being a mom:) Beautifully written, Michael.
Thank you Oliana. Lovely to see you drop by.
I agree and would modify by saying: A mother who is needed sees not any of her toil as sacrifice but, rather, a PRIVILEGE!
If one must work, it’s good to enjoy the job. Really well done Michael.
Thank you Jackie. Lovely to have you visit and I appreciate your comment.
This is what I tell myself when things become monotonous or dreary: my life could be worse, so best I stop complaining before the Fates make it worse!
My writing teammate and I created a character study using the prompt.
http://hickswyliedna.blogspot.com/2014/06/emily-katherine-salvatore-sad-eyed-lady.html
Its not a bad thought is it, that there is likely someone else far worse off than you. Shall go look at your post.
A positive, pleasant read. She understands her place within society, and while tedious and dull, it keeps her safe.
Thank you phylor for your comment, I appreciate you reading my post.
I really like this. I feel her. I love how she enjoys life no matter what.
So do I. Thanks so much for commenting.
This reads so smoothly, like the feel of thoughts flowing through her mind. A good one!
Thanks so much Georgia. That’s a lovely comment.
Ah shucks Michael … just writing the truth 🙂
Where do you get all the inspiration from? So beautifully worded.
Well it comes from years of reading, teaching and generally looking at life. That’s a lovely question you asked. Thanks eezna.
I used to be a teacher too and I loved it…Teaching is a passion but unfortunately at the moment I’m more into administration
I see you have become someone important then? I stayed in the classroom, I loved what I did and worked in a great school.
Not really. ..i moved to Melbourne two years ago and got stuck to my present job out of necessity. I’d love to get back to teaching again someday.
Well teaching needs passionate people. If you liked it as you say I maybe something to get back into. What did you teach?
I will get back hopefully soon…I taught English and social sciences. And you? Where are you located?
I live in NSW in the hunter valley near Newcastle. I taught Drama and English.
Wow!!That’s truly wonderful. ..I’ve always been interested in drama.
Best thing I ever did was teach drama, kept me young and interested every day. I also discovered I could laugh a lot in drama lessons and that was equally uplifting. Plus I got to use my creative skills to write a lot of material for my students.
Will I get to watch any of your productions?
No I no longer work but I have great memories of the work I did.