Call-back

Circumstances made indelible his name,
thought about calling him, but never got beyond that –
besides, would he remember,
have the time
be pleased,
or even give a damn?
After reading the obituary
hindsight answered : Yes. Would make it. Absolutely. Yes.

At the interview I told the truth
I was out of work –
had returned from eight years abroad –
to another country. The 3 R’s –
recession, retrenchment, redundancy.
Unfazed, yes things were very difficult out there –
in fact some applicants with good jobs
willing to trade higher wages for greater security
but,
bringing in his co-interviewer –
“Mary, it would be nice to give a young person a chance
good to have a few more men around.”
She will be the immediate superior –
openly, transparently …. honestly, unenthusiastic.
He showed me out
saying, “leave it with me.”
He clearly intended to work on her … but it didn’t work.

“Thank you for attending …. Unfortunately.
Two or three lines of official sympathy
then
a hand-written appendix

I’m sorry I couldn’t give a more favourable reply …
things are starting to turn …..
I’m sure a good opportunity is not too far away…. stay positive.