Extolled, derided, feared, divided, sought, lost, and gained!

Work separates and unites us; finds us whether

We are able. Puts food on an empty table.

 

You may pretend to be just looking,

Relaxing in the garden or facing the other way.

But work has something else to say.

 

Simmering in the background on a low heat,

Or smirking smugly from a sloping shelf

That stubbornly refuses to fix itself.

 

Do we define work, or does work define us?

When it dictates, insinuates, makes dates in calendars,

Breaks promises on anniversaries, and pays for children left in nurseries?

 

Work can lift us off our feet or bring us to our knees.

Some say please, give me work, more work,

As much as I can take. I want to break the bank. I want! I want!

 

Others thank god for any at all, pleading,

Give me something, anything will do.

Just don’t call us; we’ll call you!