The Co-op Students

We now come wounded;
You to battle fresh amongst us scarred and cynical,
Us old would rather flee from fighting than be bold
And battle just for glory, nothing less.

We come to business;
You confused as we
Still are despite the armour we have grown
That you can't wear. Your bruises grow your own
Like mortgage madness.
Who is ever free?

We teach you what?
We only give you chairs if somehow some appear by accident
And yet you work and wonder what we meant by paying you.
There is a lesson there.

Be bold, young fighters, do! And give a damn!
I'll keep your smiles.
They are my talisman.

Nik Habermel, January 1997