It's the nature of the beast
the corporate juggernaut
to create the facade
of self-actualization.

Ironically, the second
you actually understand your self
and speak forthright
your demise is near.

You can do all the right things
the entire night.
Run food, please the guests,
help your teammates, make money.

The second you do something
with yourself in mind
or even as a favor
for someone else

and it conflicts for a moment
with the higher totem climbers,
your day, and sometimes job
is finished.

I was that excellent worker tonight.

I ran the food,
I gave the guests an experience,
I turned the tables,
I was making the money.

I tried to make salads
for someone busier than I,
which conflicted with
the need for more food to be ran

and in trying to state my case
while yelling louder
than I was already being yelled at
I was sent home.

So the only thing you can learn
from a corporate job
is that you need to do your work
but fall in line
because the second you exceed
and show your individual colors
the axe comes quicker than
the miniscule accolades
you never really wanted to hear.

08/13/2009

Posted on 08/14/2009
Copyright © 2024 Jeffrey Parren