Heroes of Child Labor: Patricius McGrover III

In this first of an ongoing historical series I will examine some of the key figures of the child labor movement in the late 19th century.
Today the spotlight is on the industrial sensation himself; Patricius McGrover III.
Patricius, born in Livershire-Hamptington, England in 1886, holds the all-time record for most consecutive shifts worked at the Lords of Looohr Textile Factory: 6,840. Which equate to roughly three years, two months and eleven days worth of non-stop work. Though in truth a ripe 16 years of age at the time of his death, Patricius remained forever a mere lad in appearance due to stunted growth caused by malnutrition, overwork and the threat of termination if he were to ever grow past four feet in height. "Tiny people are cost efficient! Stay tiny, you limey bullocks!", the Boss would scream at the beginning of every shift.
On Christmas days, when his shift was only twenty-three hours, Patricius enjoyed thinking about work, rummaging through receptacles for half-eaten cans of white hominy, playing fetch with rats, And lashing himself to remind himself of the factory he so dearly loved.

dirty little fingers
needn't be at play
the good lord has written
how they shall spend their days

smelting.
preeming.
carding.
spinning.
spin until your filthy, undeveloped soul has found its way

suffer not the children to suckle on thy teet
nor climb to tops of countertops
with mud upon their feet

nor spare the rod
nor make no bargains
idol hands lower profit margins

"go forth and multiply"
was the creator's one request
for silk is one commodity
more sweet than baby's breast.