His reputation rests on the appearance of the moon. |
New Moon: Mild-mannered, workaday, business suit and tie, clean shaven, briefcase, a morning kiss then out the door to battle traffic on the way to the office. Trustworthiness, renown, éclat. One Quarter: Deadlines, commitments, some overtime, presentations, a looser tie, flowcharts, a furrowed brow and ring around the collar. This evening, a candlelight dinner at a fancy restaurant with the wife. Standing, stature, respectability. Half Moon: Scattered papers on the desk, a restless night with bad dreams. Car won’t start--phone the office come in late to attitudes on high. Meeting with new clients, a stain of mustard on the tie. Acceptability, character. Three Quarters: A storm demands a raincoat, slacks’ cuffs soaked. Laptop dies, coffee spilled a dressing down from the boss. Redo reports, burn the evening oil. Regard, weight, sway. Full Moon: Hirsute big tooth wild, roaming streets maniacal howl. Work abandoned, wife abandoned, barefoot stomping grunting surge. Panic along the thoroughfare, sirens, police cars, stun-guns and nets. Influence finds the precipice, falls. 40 Lines Writer’s Cramp 1-13-16 |