a layoff is an
evil thing––
the knife
slash that
empties your
guts on the
carpet in front of
you.
the lawyer
says it must
be done
quickly & the
severee must
not be allowed
continuing access or
contact.
so ends the sweet
camaraderie &
delusion of your
profession.
the sacred
covenants are
broken.
this is the day when
handshakes
end.
but let’s keep
everything as
clean as & neat
possible
the office is no
place for
rage, shame.
terror or
utterly justifiable
disgust.