The cart pushed from behind, and the sergeant's stick poked into the ribs.

Imagine a scene of forced labor, where someone is pushing a heavy cart with all their might. From behind, the cart itself is pressing into their back, making the task even harder. And if that wasn't enough, a sergeant, acting as a supervisor, is jabbing them in the ribs with a stick, urging them on through pain. This couplet vividly portrays a life of immense physical struggle and constant coercion, where there's no escape from the relentless pressure and harsh discipline. It paints a picture of immense suffering and powerlessness.