Psalm V
My bachelor’s degree is in math as well as physics—
from State, not Cornell, as a fellow grad of LAHS commented on—
So here’s my excuse:
My first real job was at my third year at State, when the professor
Doing x-ray diffraction experiments hired me part-time to assist
In the lab for what seemed a grand salary of two dollars an hour.
I felt so proud until tax time rolled around—jumped me—
As my brother’s best friend asked if I had filed—he pursuing
A business major full of practical acumen. It was April 15 deadline
At midnight, and that prefix ‘dead-’ hit me hard, picturing
Firing squads or gallows or such, and none of the post offices nearby
Had the form I needed so my bbf said the P.O. out in Mesilla
Was staying open late and had all the forms, so I’m shuttling
With resentment and finally get the envelope stuffed and stamped
And mailed just before midnight with a wry smile and remark
From the postal worker and each year hence my resentment
Locks horns for a terrible fight.
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