The "Temporary" Stopgap

It was advertised as 'Casual Shifts',
the commitment, however, always
expanded once we were within that
spacious room, which always seemed cramped,
regardless of attendance.

Our heads strained against envelopes
and presses, as the slightly stooped
manager blurted out one sentence commands,
which lashed across our backs, but which
never left any visible scars.

Any patience we had left now scraped
like empty barrels, our only defense
against that indefensible repetition
was the exchange of gossip shared
amongst the moss covered walls;
a pathetic grasp at salvation.

In just over a decade, we outstayed
our welcome, the callouses
absorbed by both our hands and minds,
as a new mutual respect for boredom
encased us, preparing us better
than anything, for what eventually laid ahead.