The Live-In Housekeeper's Day Off Poem by LeeAnn Azzopardi

The scent of coffee from the gurgling machine
Woke up this morning
I was surprised that you knew how to operate it
But the smell of burnt toast and bacon
Made me wonder why you're up so early
Because it wasn't my birthday or Christmas
To let me sleep in
Then, I heard the rattling of dishes coming up the stairs
I was scared it was bad news
Like my dog just died
Or my services aren't needed anymore
And that's why you made me breakfast
But no, you and yr son wanted to say: we appreciate you
And today, take the day off
Go take this two hundred dollars get yr hair done
No matter how weird you styled it
Go to the AGO and look at the Warhols
And relax, it's yr day
I smiled as the tears of joy flowed down my cheek
And ate the terrible breakfast with joy