What We Are Here For

by Michael Macklin

For you, it is a chance
to learn about the little people
scurrying through the dark
halls of computers, filing fingers to the bone.

For you, the opportunity to save
Resusci–Annie over and over
making up for the death of your
stillborn twin who never learned
to breath on his own.

For you, the safety of numbers and
the straight lines that promise
something built by your hand will remain
even while your heart quakes.

For you, the perfect soufflé.

Call it a new vocation, a change, a chance
to earn another buck, eat better, feed the family,
Call it what you will, but it is un– ending
the struggle to find the open door.