Essential

This is dedicated to all the “essential employees” out there. I see you. Please forgive my lack of poetic skill; I just wanted to say some words.

Essential

By Carrington Shaw

"Die a little every day."
That's what they said to me.
"Die a bit, but not too much--
Just enough that we can see.

"We want to watch you suffer,
To flounder and to flail;
For if you risk your life for us,
Then we can yet prevail.

"Although you did not choose this lot,
Keep ever in your mind
That some are meant to win at life,
And you are not that kind.

"Should you cry out for something more,
Reprieval from your fate,
For justice, comfort, hope, or light,
In agony, please wait.

"Your wish will not be granted.
Relief, you'll never get.
Think how much worse it still could be;
You are not dead just yet.

"Take pride in your accomplishments,
The work you do for us.
Your blood and tears we do demand,
But let's not hear you fuss.

"Die a little, to be sure,
With a smile on your face.
For if you are ungrateful,
You might quickly be replaced.

"We love to watch it break you,
Your spirit crushed to dust.
We yearn to see you struggle
To make living nice for us.

"Die a little every day;
But should you die indeed,
We thank you for your sacrifice
To satisfy our need."