Three Poems
An Office Bestiary
Beware of that one.
He’s a nuisance.
He insists, he insists,
his nasal noise
the luckless ear’s affliction.
How he buzzes
with unnecessary news,
pursuing, pursuing,
always in front of you,
always there
when you turn around!
He’s a gnat, we say.
He’s never brushed away
for very long.
Beware of that one.
She may be poised
but what she’s poised for
is savagery.
Note the toothy smile,
the pointed nails,
the clenched and agile haunches.
When you least expect it,
she’ll pounce.
In front of everyone
she’ll pin you down,
she’ll tear you up,
she’ll chew you out.
She’s a pit bull, we say.
She’s never kept at bay
for very long.
Beware this last one
most of all.
Though he lays low,
he’s high-minded.
Slick talk, flattery,
that conspiratorial grin—
he’ll appeal to you,
you’ll be drawn in.
Then he’ll turn on you.
All you have been granted
will be lost.
