Dear Sir...

entry picture

Dear Sir: This application form,
from one potential employee,
will tell you how I should perform.
I have a first-class BSc,
ten years of writing ANSI C,
some Java; Perl with DBI;
and tendencies to wander free
and gaze, all wordless, at the sky.

I know perhaps it's not the norm
to mention this on one's CV.
I wonder if you'd just transform
the job I'm asking for, to be
not writing code, but poetry.
Do ask your boss. It's worth a try.
He'd sing, himself, when he was three,
and gaze, all wordless, at the sky.

I'd stay till ten beneath a warm
duvet, and then I'd climb a tree,
my face upheld towards the storm,
or paddle barefoot in the sea.
Perhaps a friend comes round for tea.
Perhaps among the corn we'd lie
in silent solidarity
and gaze, all wordless, at the sky.

Sir, I enclose an S.A.E.
I wonder if you might reply
and leave your desk to run with me,
and gaze, all wordless, at the sky.

ballade

◄ Stations

Pittsburgh ►

Comments

<Deleted User> (10123)

Thu 15th Mar 2012 10:58

To 'rise' an application is plenty Good stuff but I don't understand the: ABSI C - Java - Perl - DBI. They might as well be another language!!! The job must have fringe benefits - extra garlic or something, to make you apply with such fortitude. Liked this one, Nick

Profile image

Cynthia Buell Thomas

Tue 13th Mar 2012 20:51

I like this, the concept of a 'really whole person'. Its humour highlights honest thought about job conditions for the rounded individual, the workplace having some responsibility for the employee's personal 'happiness'. Or so goes the much-touted argument which has just as many 'con's' as pro's', depending on your position of authority.

Profile image

M.C. Newberry

Tue 13th Mar 2012 11:42

A nice job, sir, - about a nice job! Imagination and control "as one".

Profile image

Laura Taylor

Tue 13th Mar 2012 09:14

Ha - don't we all dream of that job?!

Profile image

John Coopey

Mon 12th Mar 2012 23:45

.... enjoyed the poem. Nice use of enjambment within the rhythm.

Profile image

Nick Coleman

Mon 12th Mar 2012 23:43

nice one sir. and you should get the job.

Profile image

John Coopey

Mon 12th Mar 2012 23:43

It's funny you should mention that, Thomas, but I was just saying to my staff today that I have £50k pa vacancy for someone to gaze at the sky.

If you wish to post a comment you must login.

This site uses only functional cookies that are essential to the operation of the site. We do not use cookies related to advertising or tracking. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Find out more Hide this message