From On Being Fired Again


I’ve known the pleasures of being
Fired at least eleven times-

Most notably by Larry who found my snood
Unsuitable, another time by Jack,
Whom I was sleeping with. Poor attitude,
Tardiness, a contagious lack
Of team spirit; I have been unmotivated

Squirting perfume onto little cards,
While stocking salad bars, when stripping
Covers from romance novels, their heroines
Slaving on the chain gang of obsessive love-

And always the same hard candy
Of shame dissolving in my throat;

Handing in my apron, returning the cash-
Register key. And yet, how fine it feels,
The perversity of freedom which never signs
A rent check or explains anything to one’s family…


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From On Being Fired Again