You have this conversational way at starting a story that makes me just want to sit right up and listen to you. Always so engaging. That's a true talent, don't forget that. I knew a few coworkers like the ones you describe. They never get very far in life, don't sweat it too much Franco. Keep doing what you do best.
Yes it's horrible situation to have to work a job just to make a buck but the whole rest of it is just bother and nonsense. Hear ya brother, and love your style!
Let me guess this was some kind of stressful service job? I know the type of place, no one appreciated, no one cares enough to take a bullet for a comrade when you're making 15 an hour and arguing over breaks. Beautiful poetry for brutal truths. Thanks as always.
I like the link you made with arguing parents- one gets the sense there's more there, and yet we all can connect with that sentiment. The problems we have in everday life can often be linked back to those innocent days.
Your poem can be applied in many different situations where a person is caught in the middle between two opposing forces. This was a masterful, multiple-faceted piece of work. Well done, Franco!
I loved it how you gave an explanation for your poem, which already spoke for itself. But your analysis made it even stronger (a rare thing with poetry, I think!). As for the content, in my pretty vast working experience, in a situation like that there are only two ways to deal with it: either run or take the bull by the horns and TALK to the people who give you such a hard time. Tell them. It works - at least sometimes!
Oh yes thank you, I'm glad you feel that it strengthened the piece. And I completely agree, those are the two options. And I almost always advocate for talking things out in the right situations. But the thing is, sometimes, when you grab a bull by the horns, well, you get the horns, and I wasn't about to get gored for a job like that lol. I appreciate your wisdom! it's great to connect with you, Anette.
Yes, this makes me think of my daughter when her dad and I were in the middle of several court battles. She told me later she could t talk about me or my new husband because her dad would get mad at her. Ugh. I never thought about this same dynamic playing out at work, but it makes sense. It’s a no win.
Hi Kristi, it's so true, these kinds of dynamics take place all around us. Thank you so much for sharing this personal example. ❤️ It's good to connect with you and your writing. Thank you for the comment.
There seems to be a choice, to be the way these people make you...or not. It's an interesting contemplation you've got going here, invites you right into the middle of that tension. It's really...intense :)
Being polite and considerate is sometimes a curse! Especially when trapped between two people who need a firm, hard slap. Once again, and as always, I love reading your work.
Been that tennis net in that match of passive aggressive tension before myself… funny how that happens at workplaces. Nothing like a poem to get the poison out :)
Yess that poison can be so tough to get out. And I like the way you put that. I think pacifist types often find themselves playing the role of tennis net lol.
You have this conversational way at starting a story that makes me just want to sit right up and listen to you. Always so engaging. That's a true talent, don't forget that. I knew a few coworkers like the ones you describe. They never get very far in life, don't sweat it too much Franco. Keep doing what you do best.
I agree, Derrick!
:)
Thank you, this comment means a lot to me. Cheers, brother.
Yes it's horrible situation to have to work a job just to make a buck but the whole rest of it is just bother and nonsense. Hear ya brother, and love your style!
thanks, Luis, always. I know you understand the forces of this world. Cheers.
Such a simple rule, yet one we often struggle to follow: Be kind and treat others as you want to be treated.
These days, I try to take a deep breath and consciously choose not to let someone else’s petty behavior affect me. Life’s too short.
Thank you Linda, yes deep breaths help ❤️
Let me guess this was some kind of stressful service job? I know the type of place, no one appreciated, no one cares enough to take a bullet for a comrade when you're making 15 an hour and arguing over breaks. Beautiful poetry for brutal truths. Thanks as always.
you nailed it, spoken like one who knows. thank you, Ria!
I like the link you made with arguing parents- one gets the sense there's more there, and yet we all can connect with that sentiment. The problems we have in everday life can often be linked back to those innocent days.
thank you, friend :) appreciate the wisdom.
Imperious and obsequious, huh, now that balance is interesting to think about and yet I get it.
glad you get it, Victoria. thank you.
Your poem can be applied in many different situations where a person is caught in the middle between two opposing forces. This was a masterful, multiple-faceted piece of work. Well done, Franco!
Thank you ❤️
This is why I worked in outside sales for over 40 years. I avoided most of the office BS because I spent most of my time by myself in the field.
Lucky! That office bs will kill a dude lol thanks brother
I love this description: “ both petty
both imperious
and yet both oddly obsequious as well…”
Thank you Julie ❤️
I loved it how you gave an explanation for your poem, which already spoke for itself. But your analysis made it even stronger (a rare thing with poetry, I think!). As for the content, in my pretty vast working experience, in a situation like that there are only two ways to deal with it: either run or take the bull by the horns and TALK to the people who give you such a hard time. Tell them. It works - at least sometimes!
Oh yes thank you, I'm glad you feel that it strengthened the piece. And I completely agree, those are the two options. And I almost always advocate for talking things out in the right situations. But the thing is, sometimes, when you grab a bull by the horns, well, you get the horns, and I wasn't about to get gored for a job like that lol. I appreciate your wisdom! it's great to connect with you, Anette.
I am glad to be in touch with you as well!!
Yes, this makes me think of my daughter when her dad and I were in the middle of several court battles. She told me later she could t talk about me or my new husband because her dad would get mad at her. Ugh. I never thought about this same dynamic playing out at work, but it makes sense. It’s a no win.
Hi Kristi, it's so true, these kinds of dynamics take place all around us. Thank you so much for sharing this personal example. ❤️ It's good to connect with you and your writing. Thank you for the comment.
Astutely accurate as always with social commentary. davpi3.14
thank you!
There seems to be a choice, to be the way these people make you...or not. It's an interesting contemplation you've got going here, invites you right into the middle of that tension. It's really...intense :)
thanks, Catrina! <3
Being polite and considerate is sometimes a curse! Especially when trapped between two people who need a firm, hard slap. Once again, and as always, I love reading your work.
Thank you! And much gratitude on that thoughtful and kind restack comment. Means a lot to hear something like that from a reader. ❤️
Been that tennis net in that match of passive aggressive tension before myself… funny how that happens at workplaces. Nothing like a poem to get the poison out :)
Yess that poison can be so tough to get out. And I like the way you put that. I think pacifist types often find themselves playing the role of tennis net lol.
like the backtalk, the gossip,
and the complaining
wasn’t getting to me…
ugh…it was all too much
The ugly energy is wearing, isn't it? As if we don't have enough to deal with, with the political situation.
Absolutely, too much! Thank you, my friend ❤️