I am so tired.
I just saw him, whom I replaced, and he laughed
You're still early!
I have time-related stress.
The hallway is empty
Occasional man in a suit, woman confused
Where is the bathroom?
It is down that hall - which hall?
I don't know.. I'm not familiar.. That one?
A boy smiles as he shakes his dreadlocks
At a girl who fumbles (with her card)
Down it goes, she picks it up
Two older men amble past with hasty words
One alumni I know, from high school, doesn't remember me
Asks me if I live here
I say no.
She is the queen of the world, a fashion blogger
I watch her pass by three times.
Someone else: Sorry my card doesn't work.
I typed in the ID wrong.
Another boy comes, relief because he is normal
Chatting on the phone, so casual
I eavesdrop and hear, I have to go
Call me if you ever need prayer, or to talk.
I smile at him and he smiles at my cross.
Then no one comes for ten minutes
So I draw on my hand
A moon, quotes, the words,
Do you need prayer?
Do you mind?
Hi, hello, how are you? Good. Thank you.
These are the words they say
But which ones are real? Which ones are fake?
Some laugh confidently, some whisper their gratitude
At the girl who swipes their card
In a cap, zoning out, drawing on her hand
The two hours run past quickly
She sighs in relief as the next shift comes in
A new greeter.
A big deal.
