The Interview
So, young man, your ambition is to be
a bureaucrat? And a wise career it is!
And speaking from experience – now
going on thirty years – it has its challenges,
of course, and its rewards as well. It’s true,
if I may brag, we bureaucrats have accrued
a reputation for resiliency. And speaking
of that, be aware that in certain circles,
mostly outside our own, ours has become,
shall we say, tarnished. It’s all unfounded,
mind you; the pettiness of small minds.
No true bureaucrat pays attention to it.
So don’t worry yourself about it.
Well, I’ve talk a tad too much, and I see
by the clock that it’s my coffee break again.
So, if you don’t mind and it’s no trouble,
please come back in a day or two – I wish
it were sooner, say, this afternoon,
but I have a few personal errands to do –
(it’s something I feel entitled too.)
And, please, call first – just in case I’m out
or in conference. I’m often called for
advice by other departments; part of
my many responsibilities, you understand.
Just leave a message on my voice machine.
Just one will do, so no need to bother me
unnecessarily. And if I don’t return
your call immediately, or even in a few
weeks, assume I am busy, or at the water
cooler, or having a smoke with colleagues
outside; or if you’ll pardon the expression,
“on the seat,” bureaucrats are human, after all.
Copyright ©
Maurice Rigoler
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