I stand and listen, head bowed, <br />to my inner complaint. <br />Persons passing by think <br />I am searching for a lost coin. <br />You’re fired, I yell inside <br />after an especially bad episode. <br />I’m letting you go without notice <br />or terminal pay. You just lost <br />another chance to make good. <br />But then I watch myself standing at the exit, <br />depressed and about to leave, <br />and wave myself back in wearily, <br />for who else could I get in my place <br />to do the job in dark, airless conditions?<br /><br />David Ignatow<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/self-employed-for-harvey-shapiro/
