The Good Employee

Her eyes say it all:
something is wrong.
The papers in her hand insist:
something is wrong.
But she is only a clerical -
- and this is Big.
Big.
Beyond her department.
Big.
Beyond her reach.
Big.
It will embarrass or anger
BIG PEOPLE.
And she is only a clerical.
But the papers in her hand insist:
something is wrong.
What if they are mad,
BIG PEOPLE, mad
At her?
She is only a clerical.
It is not her responsibility.
She has been told that often:
"It is not your responsibility,
Not your department,
Not your business
Or pay scale
To think
About."
She binds the papers in her hand
As told
Into a large anonymous file folder
As told
She has done her job
As told
And the day is over,
She goes home.
Overtime has not been authorized,
The deadline for filing was already set.
No time, really,
To bring this up.
No time:
Overtime has not been authorized.
The file was put in its place
On time
Goals met.
She is a Good Employee.

yet ...