Step one in my new life:
starting my new job.
I arrived half an hour early
(because on time is late)
dressed in my smartest clothes
and a cheery expression painted on my face.
In my brand new bag
is a brand new pencil case
filled with brand new stationery
which makes me think of the first day of a new school year
but worse,
because school couldn’t fire you.

“What were you most concerned about?”,
my desk buddy asks.
I fiddle with my lanyard
and security pass
and look around the room for an acceptable answer.
I notice her unicorn mug
and crocheted duck
tucked under her monitor.
“I don’t know,
I suppose I was nervous
that everyone was going to be
a bit stuffy and formal.”
She laughs heartily,
pulling smiles from those around us.
A gentle peace washes over me
and I get the feeling
I’m going to like it here.