Editor’s Note

I can’t believe that you dare

turn this in to me.

I produce more (and better)

while reading the paper on the john

in the thin morning light.

Never again put such a paltry

sliver of labor on my plate.

I want a full slab,

something still bloody and

pulsing with the effort

of a full day’s toil.

I want both of us to know

you’ve swapped this fair

irretrievable day for

a valiant, stunning battle

against your own God-given mediocrity.

Life is too short

(you soulless lout)

for anything less

than sacrifice.

This poem was originally published in WRITERS' Journal

Featured image: "Quarters of the news editor", one of a group of four photos in the 1900 brochure Seattle and the Orient, which was collectively captioned "The Seattle Daily Times — Editorial Department".