Who hasn’t
gritted teeth
or exhaled
hissing or sighing
“shit wouldn’t stick to him, her, them.”
We were all cock a hoop
hundreds apply
50 are selected
curiosity blends with self-congratulations.
What is sought?
The boss is absorbed by people
as card sharks by new tricks
warm
frank.
Happy to talk about the process.
“. . . . . . . and then
someone like Steven
transmitting such strong common sense
certain to be reliable
and not behave badly.”
12 months later
a new summer
another Antarctic season
I inherit Steven’s role at the airfield.
I need someone there I can trust says the boss
swelling pride accepted hurriedly.
Day one
the charge petty officer coiled
lessons learned tough
a sophomore who will not
“have any of that crap of that guy from last year.”
The boss has made a field trip to the airfield
in response to his question
I tell him it hasn’t been easy
that a taste lingers from my predecessor
of laziness
of sloppiness
of brazenness
of couldn’t give a fuckness.
A wide grin breaks to hearty chuckle
“ oh Steven….. he knew it was his last season.”
For the back story click Backstage
Orphaned Islands (Un)poetry 