Would you like to hear me read my poem?
Check this out on Chirbit
Appreciation
I never did learn
to play fetch, "wag my tail",
nor view you
with adoring eyes -
always thankful
others enjoyed your pats
upon their pretty behinds -
one you even took home.
Tried to keep the gleam
out of my eyes
when her "foxy" bite
finally made you sing soprano -
made you appreciate
my bull-dog gaze.
by Margaret Bednar, October 17, 1013
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| Photo by Scavengercat8o8. Used for "The Mag #190" |
The Administrative Assistant
'Coffee, hot. Eight sharp.
Large carafe, whether I'm here
or not. (inhale) And babe,
(exhale) ashtray dumped,
wiped clean, 10 & 2
and fetch my dry-cleaning
mid-week at noon." (grinds stub -
half smiles), "Be sure
to take five for lunch.
Oh, 'bout the cute
transcriptionist scheduled
today from 3:00 - 4:00 -
(winks) ... hold all calls."
I smile, turn, roll my eyes,
and meet his in the mirror.
by Margaret Bednar, October 16, 2013
Yeah, this job was very short-lived. The smoke would roll out of his office, I suggested a smokeless ashtray - he laughed. This is actually based on two bosses and I rolled them into one "monster".
I did have a few wonderful bosses - they weren't all jerks.
My daughter painted the image above - it's a detail - and I thought the gaze was perfect for the sharing of this memory - I wonder to this day how I kept my expression "neutral".
This is for "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Words Count with Mama Zen" - National Boss's Day & keep it 67 words or less.
33 comments:
maybe you didn't keep your gaze neutral.
predators seek prey. i get the distinct impression that you were/are not.
I've never been able to do the neutral thing, either. All my thoughts and opinions are written on my face.
I love the detail from Chelsea's painting, though. It's perfect for your poem.
The closest I ever got to one of those men was a boss who sent me out to buy five bottles of Chanel No. 5 as Christmas presents for the women on our floor, and told me to keep one for myself.
K
They make all kinds. Some are good some were just nauseous. It would be hell if one could not get along with the boss. Great write Marge! You struck it most accurately!
Hank
It's amazing what some bosses used to get away with . . . and still do.
Wonderful pic--and not neutral at all! Or at least it is colored by the poem. I don't think this is so common now but definitely describes a time. Thanks, Margaret. K.
that is Manicddaily--I am on a mobile device that wants to use blogger ID.
Love the art, and perfect for your poem
My friend often tells me to rearrange my face at some of the more ludicrous statements made by our principal. I need that neutral gaze.
your daughter's painting is extraordinary! yikes to the job...
The Dean where I taught said she'd watch my face at the back of the department meetings to get a reading on what she was saying. That was embarrassing at times. I love the link of visual detail, narration, and the eyes in the mirror. He said it to get the reaction, and I don't think the narrator disappointed him. What a jerk.
I can relate ... Had one of those smoking fiends once upon a time ... A private detective! Guess it goes with the job description?
ha. pretty funny that he caught you in the mirror and makes me wonder as well the rest of that story....my worst boss would remind us quite often how the world revolved around him....my fav bosses have been women...
I SO wish that I had written this. Perfect, Margaret.
Loved both pieces, Margaret. I smiled at the doggie through the fence pic. :) Yeah, some bosses are just horrific. But the good ones make up for the hideous ones. Mind you, the hideous ones do make for some fabulous poetry. :)
You've definitely characterized these particular men well in your poetry. I smiled at the 'singing soprano' in the '55!
Loved both pieces...so good to hear you reading your work. There are lots of bad bosses, but there are the good ones out there also. Just seem a little harder to find.
That's a painting? I thought it was a photograph. The eyes show such intelligence. And it goes perfectly with the first poem.
LOL on the mirror.
Margaret Bednar....
Loved the painting
Loved hearing your voice
Loved your snippy 55
Cherish and appreciate your friendship. Thanks for playing, thanks for your staunch support, and please have a Kick Ass Week-End
Loved the painting of your daughter ~ Thank goodness I never had such a boss like that ~ They are all professionals but you could never tell with the look though - They are all hard core professionals inside ~
Loved both versions Margaret, but that abrasive boss personality really comes through in the second. Lovely portrait by your daughter, also.
Your second take on "bosses" is equally excellent, Margaret. I had a good laugh, but also really appreciated the opportunity to hear you read your work.
These are both wonderful. I must say, your monster bosses certainly sound familiar.
Wow, Margaret, that additional take has pointed teeth! Fluid and sharp ~
I love "Appreciation"...great spunk! I was an Admin Assistant for a while and can relate... Chelsea's painting is fabulous as usual!
oohhhhh, i can really relate. excellent.
Hey Margaret-- I don't think I saw appreciation before. Very clever! Watch out, womanizing guys! k.
Hey Margaret-- I don't think I saw appreciation before. Very clever! Watch out, womanizing guys! k.
I somehow knew this comment line would fill quickly. A few years ago I had to let someone go. The circumstances and the fact that we were friends made it extremely difficult. My boss told me to,"Take the emotion out of it." Soon after I started my blog and I have been putting the emotion into every step I take. Out of bad bosses come good things. Your wonderful poem is proof. I appreciate that.
Hi Margaret!
Are there still bosses out there like this? Ugh. And, yes, how do we keep our gazes neutral? Very good question. Very clever poem and beautiful drawing...all we need to see is one eye.
Don't you wonder how some bosses came to BE bosses in the first place! My daughter has one right now that wants to please everyone and ends up making a mess of almost everything...and he doesn't get it. (sigh)
Did I ever mention to you how TALENTED your family is!!! (maybe a hundred times already)
Love your daughter's painting and yech to the boss! You were well out of that job!
Nice to hear your voice, Margaret! Painting - wow! Sharp poems!! Thank you!
I'm especially partial to the first one, and that photo of the dog is priceless!
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