This entry is inspired by Stevie’s comment to the entry on ‘appreciation’ (01 August 2006)…

First of all, thank you for your very kind comment. I do hope you’ll come back and bore me with the details of how what I wrote resonates with your life!

Stevie says he was looking at the blog while at work. This reminded of a favourite poem from one of my favourite poets: John S Hall (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=96884) Although I only have one of his books, it’s enough to declare him a favourite…he is that good!

So here is the poem Stevie’s comment reminded me:

TAKE STUFF FROM WORK

Take stuff from work. It’s the best way to feel better about your job. Never buy pens or pencils or paper. Take ‘em from work. Rubber bands, paper clips, memo pads, folders – take ‘em from work. It’s the best way to feel better about your low pay and appalling working conditions.

Take an ashtray – they got plenty. Take coat hangers. Take a – take a trash can. Why buy a file cabinet? Why buy a phone? Why buy a personal computer or word processor? Take ‘em from work.

I took a whole desk from the last place I worked. They never noticed and it looks great in my apartment. Take an electric pencil sharpener. Take a case of white-out; you might need it one day. It’s your duty as an oppressed worker to steal from your exploiters. Take stuff from work. And fuck off on the company time. I wrote this at work. They’re paying me to write about stuff I steal from them. Life is good.