The Five Percent

The boss jokes as he squeezes my shoulder,
“You do such a good job; I got a bonus for you!”
I sigh, blink hard and look at the ground.
“The guys on P Line are struggling with production numbers,
“Go see if you can help them out”

I spin and head that way,
Knowing I will find a mess.
The guys will be out of sight.
The floor covered in scrap parts,
Angry production foreman waiting for me.
	
Is it fair that the good workers
Are rewarded in his fashion?
My upbringing places me in the 5%
The 5% who do the right thing
Don’t complain, don’t slack off.

I would like a chance to slack off
Get an easy break
Would love to see them guys put to work, forced to perform
But it will never happen
My destiny defined; my role scripted.

Roy Richard
October 2023