Caren Would You

I wake up in consternation, it is a day off. No schedule, no paperwork, no boss. I smile as this statement amuses me. I have a boss, but she is totally not bossy. She is delicate with me, possibly because I am the old one here. Unless you count the nurse and the secretary. We three are the token crones. “Caren, would you…” “Yes, I would love to!” This is how our banter goes, and not daily, maybe Once every month or so. I adore having her for a boss, adore it! I am sure this is because she is a delight, and so am I. I do not think it is because my personnel file downtown is a foot thick. I do think on the cover in huge black magic marker it says “Do not be fooled by her unassuming old lady look. She is a barracuda.” I know my rights, and I am not afraid to use them. I have the union president on speed dial. I may be one of the few to send her a yearly Christmas pony. Being a Caren advocate was unnatural, But being a child-advocate has taught me how to advocate for everyone Including me. I reach for my pen, recognizing my mantra, and a new poem.