This Sunday Scribblings word is COVERT. After considering a possible job opportunity yesterday, I felt it was disguised as something good, but at an impossibly high cost to me. I left the corporate world behind for good reason, damnit.
OPPORTUNITY KILLS
the “good thing” is a wrench
in the workings of a harmonious life
after panic comes the challenge
a dare to my shallow self
I can do this.
devoid of passion
playing a part
like wearing a heavy woollen coat
smothering every other
I should do this.
accepted for shallow reasons
another’s bragging rights
ego strokes of my own
promise of security
I can do this.
vivid memories of stress
consuming worry
false smiles and handshakes
with those deplorable
I should do this.
my transformation
my reemergence
my tender newfound spirit
now at perilous risk
Should I do this?
corporate prison sentence
disguised as opportunity
a test of my conviction
to my truest self
I cannot do this.
Bliss Happens 
Americanising Desi said,
May 30, 2009 at 1:01 pm
i m seriously IMPRESSSSSSSED 😀
woweeee
HAPPY SS
chk mine too!
Als Simmons said,
May 30, 2009 at 3:33 pm
ahhhh… you made your stand… not being part of anyone’s agenda
irenet said,
May 30, 2009 at 6:04 pm
‘Corporate prison sentence’ struck a chord and the progression from ‘I can do this’ to ‘I cannot do this’ says it well.
Tumblewords said,
May 30, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Oh, I hear this! Nice work…
Retromus-ik said,
May 30, 2009 at 8:24 pm
Nice piece! I like how you separated your quatrains with whether you should or should’nt do this, and that you stood firm at the end. Good luck on the job search; hopefully you’ll find something that you’ll truly enjoy!
Thanks for popping by;)
dana said,
May 30, 2009 at 8:51 pm
I love how the process of writing can seriously help uncover the answer we may be looking for….
beautiful flow to the poem….. I like the description of the tug and pulling conflict….
ps. job searching is my own job of late….that and working as a career counsellor! bon chance on your end.
Weronika Janczuk said,
May 31, 2009 at 8:04 am
This was absolutely great, Meg!
I love how you structured your stanzas.
Keep up the great work. 🙂
Shari said,
May 31, 2009 at 9:50 am
Hey Meg, thanks for reading my piece. I really admire all of you who write poetry, it takes creativity to a whole new level. Your piece really hit home for me – I managed to break out of a corporate prison. (Now, as a job-hunter, I’m looking to get back in!!)
ThomG said,
May 31, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Too many of us don’t have the courage to say, “I cannot do this.” Well done.
Mothers in Arms
Andy said,
May 31, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Yeah, I like the thought process here, and I love the last stanza and the bottom line!
Old Grizz said,
May 31, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Very nicely written. I loved it. If you haven’t read “The Journey” by Mary Oliver, I suggest you look it up. It’s a great poem and yours reminded me of that. Nice writing.
Seth said,
June 1, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Wow, nicely done. Chilling and inspiring at the same time!
Nairobi said,
June 2, 2009 at 3:57 am
corporate prison sentence
disguised as opportunity
a test of my conviction
to my truest self
Very true lines…
Being part of the corporate world myself,i can understand your frustration.It kills a part of u everyday.
here’s mine: