A Cog In the Machine

Your smile was brilliant as you took a bow.
The upper echelon had welcomed you.
You donned humility, expressing how
we loyal members of your staff were due
deep gratitude. So few attendees knew
how often you’d demeaned us through the years
by saddling us with your less pleasant tasks.
We balked a little; you played on our fears
of job loss. We put on our happy masks.
Quite frequently, you saunter by and ask,
“Do you still like your job?” This time I’ll say,
“I don’t; I never did, your Majesty!
Your fine machine will lose a cog today.
If other peons leave, perhaps you’ll see
a boss like you makes people want to flee!”


May 9, 2022
Contest: Pick-a-Title, Vol 30
Sponsor: Edward Ibeh
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Alex Avatar
May 30, 2022 at 8:19 AM
"you played on our fears" - Beautifully written. Congratulations!
Ibeh Avatar
May 29, 2022 at 5:34 PM
Heartiest congratulations on your win in my contest with this wonderful poem, Janice:-) I can relate to this. "Your fine machine will lose a cog today." I love this line!
Canerdy Avatar
May 29, 2022 at 6:03 PM
Thanks so much, Edward. Janice
Sands Avatar
May 18, 2022 at 5:46 PM
Great one. Sounds like a brutal boss. Time to be free :)
Canerdy Avatar
May 19, 2022 at 2:39 PM
Thanks, Heidi. Janice
Peck Avatar
May 11, 2022 at 10:26 AM
Excellent poem, Janice. I had a few bosses I would have liked to give that poem to! Good luck in contest! :)
Canerdy Avatar
May 11, 2022 at 10:51 AM
THANKS so much, Ann! Janice
Roper Avatar
May 10, 2022 at 9:09 PM
Lovely write, Janice, enjoyed reading. Good luck in Edward's contest.
Canerdy Avatar
May 11, 2022 at 10:40 AM
Thanks so much, Eve. Janice
Bauer Avatar
May 10, 2022 at 12:39 PM
you have nailed this one, janice! so well written and you've made the point beautifully...
Canerdy Avatar
May 10, 2022 at 1:05 PM
Thanks so much, Ilene. Janice
Leffanta Avatar
May 10, 2022 at 11:33 AM
I have known many bosses who rose by taking credit for the accomplishments of their subordinates and fell without their subordinates support! Enjoyed! Aloha!
Canerdy Avatar
May 10, 2022 at 12:12 PM
Yes, what goes around eventually comes around! Thanks, Rico! Janice
Dietrich Avatar
May 9, 2022 at 5:56 PM
Good one, Janice. There be many "royal" types out there who just want us as their slaves.
Canerdy Avatar
May 9, 2022 at 7:35 PM
Thanks so much, Andrea. I'm glad to say I NEVER had a principal like that! Janice
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace