[short story] i hear you're getting married

poetic license revoked,
clock out
hey, you start training the new guy tomorrow
maybe something will open up in another area.
i hear uh..Joe, down in birthday cards, is gonna retire next year, maybe

this,
well, this is hard for me too, okay?
it's a little late to get emotional now.

don't make me call security
look, just hand in your key on your way out tonight
don't even worry about tomorrow, either.

no, there's nothing to reconsider

because you just don't have that emotion anymore
i wish i could help out, we've tried everything;
we've been down that road before.

you don't have to get it, look, give me a beaten, cripled, old man .
HE's on the edge; HE could be talent
things are just going too well in your life for this company
and at this time we wish to sever our contract with you

we just don't have work for you anymore.
look, if someone close to you dies or...i don't know, you become an alcoholic or
something, give us a call. other than that,

i'm sorry too. there just isn't any work for a "satisfied" poet.
Hey, i hope to hear from you soon, huh?

Oh and Arthur, break a leg!