Industrial Revolution

Where it Begins and Ends

Day 1

             Today was my first day working in a textile factory. The work was extremely tiring and repetitive. I only had 25 minutes to eat lunch and the lunch wasn't very good, all we had was bread and soup. The bread was stale and the soup was cold, but it was still better than the food we have at home. Still, I must do my best because Mom is sick, Dad is doing his best to work more, and I have to look out for my little sister, Mary. If I don't keep this job and keep working our whole family is going to starve. It's already 10:30 pm, I must get to bed for tomorrow there will be another big day ahead of me. I'm much too tired to make food or do anything at all so I'll end it here for now.

Day 5

              I'm starting to miss my hometown in Ireland. England was fairly dull and dirty. The streets were filled with litter, the sky was full of smoke and the whole city was buried in lots and lots of tall buildings. My apartment had only 1 bathroom shared among 10 other families. My room only had enough space for sleeping and a small table. I would sleep on the ground and draw on my small table. Coming to England wasn't easy, but the hard work is coming in place. My family and I was driven out by the Potato Famine, we couldn't do anything about it. In this factory there are many children like me, who tried to escape from their original places. We are all tired from the work, but if I don't keep this up Mary would also soon fall ill. I wonder how they are doing. I haven't seen them in days they live in London but I rode a train here to work in Manchester. Today, I saw two children fall into the metal claws of the textile machines, no matter how they scream, no one would come and rescue them. I try to cover my ears, I had to keep working, or else I won't get paid.

Day 10

           Today, I met a new co-worker, she was one year younger than me and she reminded me of my little sister. Her name was Sasha, was born in England. An orphan, no one wanted her, until three days ago she was brought in by, "The Man." She was shy at first, and no one seemed to mind her. I got along with her very quickly, I learned that she wanted to be an artist, just like me. However, both of us know deep inside that it wasn't possible. I should still send the good news to my family that I made a new friend.

Day 20

        It wasn't long ago that I met Sasha. She was looking a bit too shy. A couple of days ago, she would see me with the corner of her eye. I always look away, there was something odd going on with me. Every time I stole a glance at her, she would look away, embarrassed. But late last night, my fears came true, and I couldn't sleep. The horror, the terror, that happened to many children that worked here. Her machine got stuck, and my face went pale. "The Man" yelled at her to keep going, and I tried to run over and help her. He whipped me on the back with a belt and tears start to drop as i fell down on my knees. I started to say my prayers, "Oh dear God...Please save her! Give her mercy!" Her skinny pale arms went through and started to find the knot, the machine kept moving, purring with anger. She put both arms into the machine and easily untangled it, "Please.." I begged. Then her face went pale, and my heart stopped. Her soulless eyes stared into the machine and she pulled both arms out. I squeezed both eyes shut, and covered my ears. Her scream pierced throughout the factory, and echoed. I heard her footsteps get off of her station and getting further away. I opened my eyes just to see her face one more time, but she didn't look back, tears streaming her face. The factory went quiet, a quiet sniffle in the corner every 5 seconds, growling of the machine like a rabid dog, and the click of fresh blood on the stone floor.

Day 25

              My memories of the past are getting foggier as the days past by. I remember when I was younger, before the famine hit us, we lived on a large farmland with many animals. We trained horses and dogs to become sheepherders. I miss running around the fields, feeding the chickens, milking the cows, and much more.The work was tiring but at least we were able to spend time together as a family. I really miss my parents and especially my little sister. I wish there wasn't a potato famine. Why can't life return to the way it is? I'm trying to stay sane but I just can't. All this factory work is way too repetitive. I want to enjoy life again, I want to breath fresh countryside air.

Day 30

          A week has past, I've returned to the world of dull colors of gray. I couldn't forget what had happened to Sasha, but I had to keep going. I regretted sending mail to my family, Sasha was gone, but I couldn't tell my family that. It would only cause more pain and worry for Mom. I have to move on and be strong.