Many Years of Service

To remove a part for the benefit of the whole.

To downsize.

We wish we could keep you on after all your years of service, 

But we just can't, you see.

I think we both saw this coming, don't you agree?

We've arranged a nice severance package for you. You shouldn't have to

Worry about anything for a long time.

Speak It Into Existence

You will be so good. Rooms will be brighter because you are in them. Loads will be lightened because you are near.

You will launch adventures and sagas. You will have a small but mighty group of friends and confidants. Very mighty indeed.

You will change the world and make it better.

Pile Up

A salary offer that is much lower than expected.

News that I may be at increased risk of cancers.

Deadlines.

A very busy work schedule.

I need to see specialists.

I need to get answers and guidance.

First thing: call one referral, find out if another requires pre-approval.

Then find someone to talk to. 

Procrastination

My nose is shorter, sanded down

From all the one-ply tissues.

This cold is older 

Than my New Year's resolutions.

My student continues to 

Exceed expectations.

She's good, but still green.

I can't forget that

She doesn't know what she doesn't know.

I'm waiting for a textbook

That will help me begin

To craft something out of nothing.

I'm about to step further into

Academia. I'm volunteering my time

At the moment. Not by choice.

But, I think, it's certainly necessary.

Then there's the board

Recertification.

A project will take as long as is

Allotted to it, and I plan

To use every minute.

Departures. Arrivals. (January 27)

At long last, she returned.

"The best weekend of my life," her friend said.

I fared well also. 

And I didn't mind the extra room in bed.

But I'm happy to give it up.

Snowman (January 18)

Snow enough to warrant the snowblower.

Snow enough to make a snowman.

Not snow enough to make forts,

But we tried anyway.

Mood swings of children

Are quick and strong

And disproportionate.

The inability to master a task

He's never tried before

Was enough to ruin the rest of his day.

Debate Club (January 14)

All the white people on stage

Talking about themselves

Variations on a theme.

Another day of sickness

Named and medicated

Repetitions of a theme.