On Strike Till 3

"On Strike Till 3" by Grant Balfour is a heartfelt narrative poem that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and social injustice through the lives of a working-class mother and her son. Set against the backdrop of a cold Christmas Eve, the story follows a devoted mother and her hopeful son, David, as they navigate the challenges of poverty and hardship. David, filled with a child's innocent optimism, dreams of improving their lives, while his mother struggles with illness brought on by relentless labor. Misunderstanding the concept of a workers' strike, David initiates his personal strike to help his ailing mother. The narrative follows their interwoven fates to an unfortunate end, emphasizing the pervasive nature of poverty and illness. Balfour's work shines a light on the family's compassion amidst adversity, leaving a lasting impression of their struggles and unwavering love, reflecting the social struggles that were prevalent when written.