‘Layoffs at the Antiquities Museum’ by Seth Thomas

After college, in my job search I found
A prestigious post in antiquities
At the historic museum downtown
(As a gift shop clerk, more accurately).

In my second year, the docents told us
A few rounds of layoffs were to be made.
As store manager, I bore the onus
To see the proverbial axe was stayed.

I suggested to the head curator
Sell a Grecian urn or maybe some pots
And I can keep my staff on registers.
“Art appreciates,” she sighed. “We do not.”

Are we not more than wood chips in wood crates
Padding marble Alexander the Greats?

Seth Thomas is a proud Midwesterner living in Northeast Ohio with his wife and kids. He finds light verse and family zoo trips help with the wintertime blues.