The parent-teacher conference

After the vultures left,

Carrying with them

the remainder of the day

And the blood, mine.

After that, I carried

What was left of my soul

To make use of

the complimentary

Coupons,

which we whored

ourselves for.

The long isles

of useless waste,

Of wrapping and packaging

Was ours to pick through.

Bargains to excite.

Material components

To replace the vacuum

that I feel within.

I got some coffee,

Exceeding my mandate

Struggling with the math.

The cashier did not hesitate,

nor did she seem confused.

She's been through this before:

Short-end bonuses

To dead-end people.