For My Mates

I can stand being bossed about,

shouted at and being a human screwdriver

at work doing various manual jobs making cakes.

Varied hours aren’t too bad.

In the cold light of day what stings

the most is knowing that

2 of my old work mates are dead,

out of 5 of us in the early/mid 90s,

on our department.

I’m not sentimental but that does touch

a nerve on the quieter moments.

Simply put,

this is life...

and I don’t agree with it,

no, not at all.