self-inquiry before the job interview

Did you sneeze? Yes, I rid myself of the imposter inside me.

Did you iron your shirt? Yes, I used the steam of mother's hate.

Did you wash your hands? Yes, I learned my hygiene from a raccoon.

I prayed on my knees, and my knees answered with pain. I gargled. I polished my shoes until I saw who I was. I inflated my résumé by employing my middle name.

I walked to my interview, early, The sun like a ring on an electric stove. I patted my hair when I entered the wind of a revolving door. The guard said, For a guy like you, it's the 19th floor.

The economy was up. Flags whipped in every city plaza In America. This I saw for myself as I rode the elevator, Empty because everyone had a job but me.

Did you clean your ears? Yes, I heard my fate in the drinking fountain's idiotic drivel.

Did you slice a banana into your daily mush? I added a pinch of salt, two raisins to sweeten my breath.

Did you remember your pen? I remembered my fingers when the elevator opened.

I shook hands that dripped like a dirty sea. I found a chair and desk. My name tag said my name. Through the glass ceiling, I saw the heavy rumps of CEOs. Outside my window, the sun was a burning stove, All of us pushing papers To keep it going.