The Week Off

SICK? LEAVE

Took the week off
Too weak to work
that week, felt bleak

A fever, a cough
a medical note: Not Fit
ached from head to toe to pit

of stomach and throat
The doctor wrote
the week off

Said it was catching
said I was ill
gave me a batch of pills

I started the week off
smarting and peaky
got nastier, got creaky

Passed out
passed blood
passed the week off

As seven days' wages lost
counted the cost
got better and returned

to a cause for concern
and a disapproving look
as the boss shook his head and said

They needed a shake-out
and they'd had to take
the weak off the books