Category: Chutzpah

I didn’t spot it –
the second cook, a wily old sheepdog
who had been on many a mustering
and worked for more than a few musterers, did.

We weren’t close, or even especially friendly
somewhere between acquaintance – and fellow PTA parents.
All the same, she seemed to know,
more understand the story keeper in me,
would appreciate her observation.

From the back row.

“ Watch the boss when the function starts.”

Siren and lights.

“ She will rush I with an important, but overlooked item.”

Line of sight.

“ Something she’s tucked away
not hidden – just shifted out of minds.”

Swallows and summer.

She knows how to look good.
Being good is looking good.

The first year at university,
so different from the regimented authority of High School –
the God instilling fear of a clergy directed education.
But now,
come to class – if you want,
do your assignments – if you feel like it,
skip a day – if you want to go to the cricket,
join a protest march …. there’s an idea.
A protest march,
my first, anti-nukes
American warship don’t come – or actually, fuck off.
I told my mother, she is wary
has some advice
says,
people could do silly things,
others might push their luck,
things may get out of hand –
the media and the police will be there
so ….
“ whatever you do, don’t get on TV.”

AGM.
Annual General Meeting for shareholders
presentation and address by CEO and chairperson
refreshments –
hierarchical, the better performed a company
and less diverse,
the better the grub
and liquor.
The more male, pale and stale,
the better the victuals –
a sort of Big Mac index in reverse.

But before refreshments – questions
Q & A. Shareholders to board and executives
difficult questions deflected by- “ can I talk with you over refreshments,”
or
diversions, the best being
wheeling in trolleys loaded with food and
allowing the scent to scurry questions to a close.

Meek and mild of voice and statue
his question is to the chair
….. “ So you recommend we adopt the advice of the meeting ….”
“ Yes….
so that’s what I should do
Yes.” –
nods and smiles from the top table
disdain from the floor –
“ thank you. You’re welcome
….just one more thing
can I read something from the annual report three years ago –
page 37.
Of course.”
It is exactly the opposite of the recommendation
laughter and applause from the floor.
“ Oh,” smiles the chair. “ Sometimes things change.”