Self-Employed

For Harvey Shapiro
I stand and listen, head bowed, 
to my inner complaint.
Persons passing by think
I am searching for a lost coin. 
You’re fired, I yell inside
after an especially bad episode. 
I’m letting you go without notice 
or terminal pay. You just lost 
another chance to make good.
But then I watch myself standing at the exit, 
depressed and about to leave, 
and wave myself back in wearily, 
for who else could I get in my place 
to do the job in dark, airless conditions?