Category: Before the Rain

The corridor is carpeted,
no vinyl or linoleum.
One door from the end
the guide knocks and turns away – her job done.
“Welcome, ”
the smile is practised and straight
as is the wearer
bearing, parting and posture –
sexuality too.
Everything is parallel
no right angles.
No ambiguity, even on the first day.

Forms are signed,
then a tour : hierarchal.
Presented to those,
to whom courtesy must be paid.
Others watch from the edge –
footmen, 
mute, as a visitor is lead through the palace.
They’ve seen many come – and go. Another first day.

At coffee time, a jumble of handshakes
and names
and comparison – that’s the point.
The predecessor was well liked,
proficiency can be taught
likeability, if not inate, must be learned – quickly.
The first lesson,
on the first day.

Decision optimality –
encountered in the classroom – blackboard quarantined,
theoretical : four quadrants :

1. Best of the best.
2. Worst of best.
3. Best of the worst.
4. Worst of the worst.

Five applicants :

1. Too experienced – too much of a threat.
2. Too much scuttlebutt.
3. Me.
4. Joint holders – Too much of a pussy. Too much of a wise guy.

Generosity and self-interest.
Give youth a chance?
Or tell the truth? – low tide at the gene pool.
Solution(s).
Either
Advise head Office on Friday Afternoon – might slip past.
Or
Ask for a new ballot – could result in forfeit.

Compromise : the airlock between worlds –
a finite period contract, with option to renew –
renewal directly related to performance.
Done!
Sign here,
I’m in the Civil Service. Agronomist. Pay scale 1

 

An egg shell walk to reception –
early of course.
A friendly greeting and enquiry,
the reply already listened to.
She knows why I am here.
A polite directive to an empty chair.

In a hallway,
outside a closed door.
Sounds are prospected –
silence is good. Laughter bad.
Nervous adjustment of clothing,
furtive rearranging of keys and wallet
– the bladder tightens.
Concentrate.

Break a leg : facts, + charmlist

1. Recall what was submitted.
2. Imagine likely questions and potential traps.
3. Play it cool, but not cold.
4. Be warm, not hot
5. Act affable, but not familiar – that might be thought glib.
6. Think fast and be adaptable, this is the big league.

The longest wait,
longer than the dressing-room,
longer than the altar.
The door opens. You’re on – now.

Two days later a phone call.
an unnecessary question
is interest still valid? “YES”. We would like to offer…
Victory. The winner. The chosen one.
Some feelings lived longer,
none was this intense.