Desk Monkey

The printer churns Copy after copy This mug-ringed desk Is an anchor

“What did you have for lunch?” Banal soup; sludge sandwich “Are you coming out for so and so’s birthday?” Using up all the polite excuses

Fixed plastic smiles Until you have left the room Time is suspended here

And gossip is easy

Try not to stare at the clock Pick up a call Numb brain leaking IQ dripping from sore ears

Mud coffee and team briefings More sheets to ignore Contract extended Slow, comfortable death

“We can action that for you By the end of play” 5PM, low-key rush to the elevator And breathe