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Poems about White-Collar Work

Calling to Question
by Elizabeth Kate

My calling is concerted questioning.
In answering, there's art to what I say.
Together, Mom and I know everything!

I help them see the answers that they bring--
The truths implicit in the thoughts they weigh.
My calling is creative questioning.

Sometimes their answers flow, connections spring!
Sometimes they need a nudge along the way.
Together, Mom and I know everything,

And, as I teach, I see them mirroring.
Before I speak, before I act, I pray.
My calling is to cautious questioning.

Such power is a stimulating thing.
Above young minds, experience holds sway;
Together, Mom and I know everything!

But power is elusive; I don't cling.
I have a larger concept to convey.
My calling? To compel their questioning
Of whether Mom and I know everything.

Calling to Question - Body Count - The Coffee's Cold

Body Count
by Beverly Peterson The new company CEO
raised their net worth in six months:
diamonds in her ears, hair cut in a bob,
a red scarf edging her cleavage
lure him away from the discussion of contracts:
I wonder if she buys silk underwear
from Victoria's Secret...
He imagines her climbing a ladder of man-skins,
rungs strung together with names...

Her words return him to net profits,
plans to lure managers from competitors,
but again his attention slips back to her figure,
the curve of her calf, her naked wrist...

A soundless moment interrupts his musing.
He sees his name on the overhead screen,
straightens his tie, leans forward,
flashes a smile
that melts down his face:
his section will be automated --
a computer will fill his space.

Calling to Question - Body Count - The Coffee's Cold

The Coffee's Cold
by DarkEyes

With steaming coffee mug in hand I start
My early morning working day at eight.
With hopes I will the telephone outsmart
And sip my coffee, so to celebrate.

Oh dear, It seems I've Tokyo on the line
"Yes, moshi-moshi," Gee, he sounds distraught.
"I see. What's that? I'm sure it will be fine."
Where was I now? I lost my train of thought.

For there is Hongkong on line two, they say
What now? The light is flickering again
It's Thailand for you, then the USA
The coffee's cold, the people left at ten.

I end the day to speak with Amsterdam
And hope I will remember where I am.

Calling to Question - Body Count - The Coffee's Cold


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