Bellingtons
The following characters (and company that forms the back-drop), are fictional,
But though this tale is the poet’s invention, it’s a tale that’s certainly plausible.
One that I hope you’ll ponder on, one that I hope will encourage, inspire and move,
And in the lives, hearts and minds of all those folk who read it, a blessing thereby prove.
Crystal closed the door to her rented apartment (fourth floor, thirty three Logan street),
One unworthy of the rent, on the wrong side of town, and where pimps would often meet.
She made her way down the stairs, her young son clutching her hand, both chatting as they went,
And for the past few years, (husband and father absent), they’d made that daily descent.
Crystal’s marriage had been a big mistake; the man she’d married unworthy of her,
A man who’d treated her badly, a deserter — yes, a happiness saboteur.
A man who didn’t appreciate the wonderful woman he had, nor young son,
Who, like his mum, was struggling with the unconscionable thing his father had done.
They hurried down Logan street to the nearby school where she waved goodbye from the gate,
And from there made her way to Bellingtons, picking up on her pace lest she be late.
She had been working on the factory floor at Bellingtons for seven years now,
Though given the poor working conditions and wages paid, she’d often wondered how.
But necessity had called, and there at Bellingtons she laboured conscientiously,
Yes, a very valuable employee, but unappreciated, seemingly;
The owner being a tight-fisted hard-nosed man, obsessively focused on money,
His bank account burgeoning at the seams while his staff slaved away miserably.
Meanwhile — across the other side of the country — sat a very different man,
One whose own life also (just like that of Crystal’s), hadn’t gone according to plan.
A man coming to grips with the tragic loss of his dearly loved two children and wife,
A deeply caring man, who five years on, was wondering what to do with his life.
And that very day that he sat there wondering (one of many days, the last five years),
Was the day that provided the answer that would eventually dry his tears.
According to the phone call Brad received, his uncle had suddenly passed away,
And if Brad would visit them, then the contents of his uncle’s will they would relay.
Thus, Brad duly made his way to the offices of Bronson, Merritt and Riley,
They being lawyers of note, employed by those either famous or extremely wealthy.
And there he learnt (being the sole survivor of his uncle), what was in his uncle’s will,
That being, that he now owned his uncle’s company, (whose shoes someone needed to fill).
After Brad had handed in his notice, sold his home, and tidied up his affairs,
He boarded a flight to his new destination amidst waves and well-wisher’s cheers.
Hours later, the plane banked over a sprawling city and prepared to descend,
And there, somewhere midst the striking images below, Brad the coming years would spend.
Brad was duly greeted, his luggage collected and wheeled to a waiting vehicle,
One that skillfully wound its way through five o’clock traffic towards a posh hotel.
After dining well, and a refreshing sleep, he again awaited his chauffeur,
Who on transporting him to a huge complex, announced, “Welcome to Bellingtons, sir.”
Crystal wondered what the new owner would be like; a much younger man, she had heard,
One who much speculation had prompted. Hopefully a better man, all concurred.
Not that he would be interested in the staff on the factory floor, she mused,
Who, under the previous owner had been badly neglected, used and abused.
In fact, not just the previous owner, but management in general were guilty,
Most just looking after their own interests, or feathering their own nests, sadly.
Hence the somber atmosphere and discontent that pervaded the factory floor,
And indeed the whole company, staff often coming and going through its front door.
Such a glum atmosphere did not go unnoticed by Brad, whose perception was keen,
And whose displeasure was apparent from the very first day he surveyed the scene.
His “people before profit” approach would soon sweep Bellingtons like a tsunami,
And his current displeasure and caring concern was noticed immediately.
Brad wasted no time familiarizing himself with the running of the company,
Spending the first week behind closed doors with management, questioning them ceaselessly.
The following week Brad was soon seen conversing with those on the factory floor,
And it was there that he meet Crystal — who the hallmarks of someone very special — bore.
As Brad continued his daily rounds, he’d always stop and chat with his employees,
Leaving behind promised improvements, brighter faces, words that would encourage and please.
Such moments were eagerly awaited by those working on the factory floor,
But particularly so by Crystal, who the new owner appeared to visit more.
After a month had gone by, a meeting was arranged for everyone to attend,
One where an unforgettable hour those employees at Bellingtons would spend.
Despite the previous owner’s mistreatment of staff, poor wages and conditions,
Bellingtons was raking in millions, and also making factory additions.
Brad glanced around the sea of faces that he never imagined he’d be addressing,
And his “people before profit” projects and pledges was very soon expressing.
“I’m not my uncle,” he announced reassuringly, which was received heartily,
“Therefore, all who work conscientiously, will be rewarded appropriately.”
“As from next pay-day,” he continued, “Your wages will increase by thirty percent.”
And on hearing the gasps, he repeated what he’d said, assuring it was truly meant.
Bellington’s employees began rising to their feet, but Brad bade them be seated,
For though pleased at their response, he’d rather they wait until his address was completed.
“Where the company’s profits increase, you’ll be rewarded as well, and handsomely,
And there will be monthly bonuses where there’s an increase in productivity.
An extra week will be added to your annual holidays, and to your sick leave,
And where staff are overburdened, extra staff will be employed, who’ll thereby relieve.
A large sum of money will be spent on improving your conditions, and on safety,
For you’ve surely a right to be happy at work too, and also injury free.
Due time will be given to those who lose a loved one, to grieve appropriately,
And my door is always open should anyone need to see me personally.”
Though not finished, his employees couldn’t contain their delight and rose to their feet,
Their standing ovation echoing around the walls and well out into the street.
And in time, they witnessed many changes for the better, changes long overdue,
Including a big management shake-up, for changes were badly needed there too.
Thus, employment at Bellingtons was greatly sought after, and Brad lauded by all,
A man of principle who led by example — a man who amongst men, stood tall.
A man who lived for others, sought everyone’s best, knowing that what goes round comes round,
And that selfish lives are like rudderless ships without a sail — bound to go aground.
Sure Bellingtons had been making money, but that’s all it was, a money machine,
One just feeding an old man’s selfish ambitions, until death chose to intervene.
“Can’t take it with you,” he’d said, but he’d certainly acted like he was trying to,
Whilst those who laboured on his behalf didn’t get all that they were rightfully due.
Brad continued his daily rounds, enjoying mixing and conversing with his staff,
Seeking their opinions, taking an interest in their lives, and sharing a laugh.
But the encounters that he enjoyed far more so, and with increasing frequency,
Were those where he engaged in a conversation with a particular lady.
Thus, it wasn’t long before Crystal was employed as Brad’s personal secretary,
Brad having been well aware of her potential, and unfortunate history.
And as the days waltzed on by, they were soon seen enjoying each other’s company,
Which consequently resulted in Crystal saying “Yes!” to Brad’s “Will you marry me?”
In time, Bellingtons became a family affair, for Crystal’s son joined the team,
And two more children that followed; filling a void in Brad’s heart, fulfilling a dream.
And all the employees at Bellingtons reaped the benefit of that family,
A family that saw Bellingtons as a means to serve others unselfishly.
Yes, it’s the likes of people like Brad who make a difference, for which I’m grateful,
Men who’re compassionate, charitable, thoughtful, unselfish, and accessible.
Men (and women) one can depend on, look up to, whose presence makes one’s life brighter,
And those burdens, heartaches and worries (that one may be carrying) somewhat lighter.
Such are memorable indeed, for such people are few in the scheme of things, sadly,
As most fall victim to their own desires, weaknesses — largely living selfishly.
Outwardly many appear goodly, but within, it’s often another story,
One that has more in common with Brad’s uncle, than with Brad and his family,
Yes, we all have a choice, we can live for others or our self — there’s no in-between,
We can’t have it both ways, for one fights against the other — which often in lives is seen.
We either make someone’s life more pleasurable, or someone’s life more miserable,
And in time become one of the memorable, or someone who’s forgettable.
Under Brad, (and his family), Bellingtons prospered, proving a blessing for many,
Not just Brad’s employees, but other companies who benefited indirectly.
Yes, so many lives were affected for the better, indeed a whole community,
And all because of someone who put others first — a man who lived with dignity.
By Lance Landall
This poem was penned July 2010.
