TUESDAY THOUGHTS: POETRY PROMPT

 

IT’S BUSINESS 

(For Young Creatives)

“That’s the last time”. 

You said that the last time, remember?

Eight times you said it, from May to December 

Eight times—in good faith—services rendered

Eight times, trusting someone else

If it happens again

And you’re back in a bind

Because the check was short, or they lost track of time

Or paying you, simply slipped out of their mind

You’ll have no one to blame but yourself.

The job is all done, now.

You did what you said

You showed up; you worked

Why are YOU in the red?

Fortunately, you didn’t spend bread

You were never quite sure you would get

It’s sad, that dull feeling just won’t go away

As you ponder, “Was there ever intent to pay?”

Were you dreaming? Were you even present that day?

‘Cause that’s sure how they’re treating you, yet

They banked on your eagerness to lend a hand

You availed yourself —labored

Do you understand?

Exposure’s a buzzword, that means you’ll get burned

Be broke, and frostbitten at every turn

Graciousness 

Helpfulness

ALL of that’s nice

But business is business—

Next time, please think twice

Never so much as discuss the details 

Nor begin implementing what the task entails

Before you say, “Yes”, and before they turn tail

Make a mental note, and stick to it—without fail

A contract is what you will need

Perhaps, a deposit would be fitting, too

Skills have value— THEY know

And by now, so should you

But, if you’re loosie-goosie about business, you

Won’t have much of a mouth to feed.

Isn’t it clear now, that when some folk call

The goal, is to not compensate you at all?

They are looking for something for free

They say they think highly of all of your skills

But they could care less about your monthly bills

And then, brag how they “got” you, and all that you did

But will never confess how they dipped, slipped, and slid

Without exchanging currency.

Determine that eight—no—ONE time is enough

A ninth time would imply that you’ve not toughened up

And are struggling to see your own worth

It’s imperative that you take into account 

What it takes to do your job, deserves the amount

You expect, and should get—and from here on out

You’re not playing.

What you do, is WORK.

#creatives

#onthejob

#handleyourbusiness 

#speakup

#hobbyorlivelihood