by Maxwell Redder

I.  Production

moving up is a scummy tank
whose bubbles always read as green
because the budget doesn’t
allow for a thorough scrubbing

II.  Hierarchy:

everyone has eyes that report
to other sets like a wave,
slowly and always concentrating
on the tip: anticipate a breaking point.

III.   Low Management (Peace Keepers),

Slimy like a reptile smile.
Cordial like rain to an umbrella.
Hand that breaks hands in shake.
The Wanderer: who works here?

IV.  High Management,

Perfectly packed box.  Top row;
smooth.  Jelly doesn’t jiggle
on top.  Smooth.  Smoothie
condensation; strawberry.

V.  Top.

It’s hard to understand.  Details.
Results.  Future profit for my next
project.  PROject:
lights dim and there I am:
the tunnel zooming in on me.