Deadline’s coming –
prepare to duck!
Every available surface
strewn with papers,
warning: Stay away!
Body splayed on bed,
bemoaning undeniable
stress: Whoa is me!
Tiptoeing commentary
begets snappy response:
I work best under pressure!
Expletives erupt, slicing
the early morning calm,
wall of tension follows.
Deadline’s here –
run for cover!
Unthinkable happens –
computers disable,
programs run amuck –
Tongues bite back
told you so’s, temper
peaks: crunch time.
Hold your breath –
sudden silence –
is it progress?
Deadline’s here –
nobody move.
A shuffle, a click,
a sigh signaling
relief – an end?
Damn, I’m good –
lightness of tone
stress deflating…
Deadline’s here –
are we in the clear?
Assess damage,
step over debris,
resurrect living…
Shaking heads,
clucking disapproval
only re-perpetuate.
Deadline’s coming –
prepare for onslaught!
One Woman's Quest 