Oil Poem by Amos Greig

We barely saw you during the week,
You who worked nights so that we ate,
Had a roof over our heads.

We barely saw you during the week,
You going to bed whilst we got ready for school,
Tried for a good education.

We barely saw you during the week,
Running up hugged,
The smell of oil permeated you.

We barely saw you during the week,
Always toys, comics,
Rarely complained.

We barely saw you during the week,
Toiled all night,
Slept all day.

We barely saw you during the week,
Walks in the park,
Pushed on the swings.

We barely saw you during the week,
Always going out
as you were coming in.

We barely saw you during the week,
The comforting smell of oil,
Daddy's home.