We continue our series of posting examples of works from our talented members. We hope you enjoy them, and invite you to leave comments or share with friends.
This week’s story is from Dot Hatfield.
Downsized
by Dot Hatfield
I’m not quite ready to look back and laugh
At the thing that happened last summer.
I heard the words, “Reduction of staff.”
And suddenly life was a bummer.
The euphemisms were all in place:
“Your job has been deleted.
It’s nothing personal. Take it with grace.”
But I went home dejected, defeated.
My friends said, “Cheer up! No need for gloom.”
I replied, “That’s not my condition.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I be in my room
Curled up in the fetal position.”
I cussed and I cried and I ate cookie dough;
I spent lots of time at the mall.
Then a Facebook post by someone I know
Told me, “Making a living and making a life is not the same thing after all.”
I shampooed my hair and got my nails done,
I brushed up my old resumé.
I called all my peeps and I told everyone,
“Thanks for being there. I’ll be okay.”
Some time has passed – six months and a half –
My soul has come many a mile.
I’m not quite ready to look back and laugh
But I can look forward and smile.
- Downsized: A Poem - February 5, 2024
- Writers Should Read - July 3, 2023
- Story Endings Sure To Satisfy - March 6, 2023