I’ve told him time and time again when frustrated he becomes.  My friend, be happy where you are, after all the economy isn’t good, so we can learn to hold our tongues,  do our work, knowing we’ve done what we could.

What a fool I am to say such things!  Listening to the “Man” rant and rave as only he could do.  Why didn’t you tell me one of our men wasn’t in the right place!  When you know something is going on, you say it to my face!”

I didn’t know what he meant, but thought for a while.  He was blaming
me for something that wasn’t even my fault!  Well that’s par for the
course, I should have known, it’s his way after all.   A deed I am accused of I have to take the fall.

And when I’m hurt or angry or sad, “I don’t care what you feel.  Greet people with a smile.   When people come in this office, you are the
first one they see, so hide your feelings for a while.  No matter what is wrong, no one cares anyway, so always put a happy face on.

Let’s see, don’t show emotion,  take blame for what is not yours.  Must I be so fake?  So dollars I can make?  I remember what I told my friend and tried to grit my teeth.  But the enamel is wearing thin, from this false face that I wear.  Just remember, you have a job, be happy where you are.

But is it right to be miserable for money in the bank?  Some would say, yes it is, be thankful you have food to eat.

So I try and try, along with my friend to be happy where we are, but when I can work no more for all the stress I take, when life passes me by, and my whole life revolves around a job I hate,  do I still have to put on a happy face?

                                                 Mary E Lacey
                                                      2010