the caramelized words
on his plate
made him quite queasy
he had eaten crow before
but this
was different
this was something
served up by a committee
that he was to accept
without question
or reflection
it was the company’s stew
and even though it was raw
or at best
half-baked
he was required
to accept it if he wanted
another meal
so
like
a good boy
he was forced to swallow it
along with
his pride
During the next few days, I will be on holiday…yes again…so I will be posting very few comments on your blogs…however I shall continue to post new poems here and hope that you will enjoy them. Until then, cheers!
Read Between the Minds 
Another brilliant word jab at the things we can’t change. Enjoy your travels, my friend!
I wonder how many millions compromise themselves this way every day in the construct that is the corporate world? Great poem with its images of sickening. bb
… or end up with egg on his face.
Very clever Charles.
Cleverly done!
Your poem is top notch once more.
Have a good holiday!
Perfect said !! I am glad i have not really been in such situation yet .. Have a good vacation ! Will miss you but not until you stop posting here 🙂
Cheers !
Well done! (not the meal, this poem!)
I honestly cannot think of anything you missed!
May I be excused now?
>wink wink, Denise<
This is a brilliant portrayal of corporate world. How can you master so many versatile topics so perfectly?
God bless your muse and your pen my dear friend. Thanks for sharing all these priceless poems with us.
Now this is interesting.. Charles I love it.
makes me think of a few (too many) times I buried my principles for promised security…
That is a staggeringly good satire/protest against the vainglorious ‘root, hog, or die’ ethic of the times. Apologies if I am reading too much into this, but the combination of subdued anger simmering underneath social platitudes and the need to, as you put it, continue eating, make for a poignant image. Very strong voice in this poem; I wish I could get half the silent agony you illustrate in this poem into one of mine! Thanks for posting this.
crb.
love this… very much to the point. And I think everyone knows this situation and finds it hard to stomach. Thanks!
learn to live with the way the corporate commands…..for that matter as themaster wants you to do….like it or not…..
Sadly true for a lot of us. Well done!
And enjoy your holiday!
Bravo. Well done!
I really enjoyed this poem. Nice work! I look forward to reading more.
The last line of this one is remarkable. Very well thought out and executed.