A Job Seeker’s Poem

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I receive a job alert.
Details are sketchy.
I am not sure.
I smile. I wonder. I hope.
Could this be the one?

I will break my own rule.
I will have no one to blame.
I smile. I take a risk. I apply.
I hope this will be the one.

She calls.
I put on my best.
I give my details.
I am encouraged.
I smile. I giggle. I flirt.
I hope this will be the one.

She makes promises.
She asks me to give her more.
I am willing.
I smile. I comply. I trust.
I hope this will be the one.

She makes a tentative date.
She says she will get back to me.
I am thrilled.
I smile. I dream. I believe.
I hope this will be the one.

I wait. I wait. I wait.
I send an email. I leave a message.
I begin to doubt.
I smile. I make an excuse. I hold on.
I still hope this might be the one.

No word.
No return.
No message.
I know she will not call.
I smile. I heave a sigh. I brush it off.
I damn her to everlasting hell for I had dared to hope she would be the one.

I broke my own rule.
I have no one to blame.
I smile. I chalk it up. I begin again.
I have to hope there will be one.