Submitted By: Nkiru Njoku

'Marylin, is my tea ready yet?'
'Yes Sir, I'm coming with it!'
And I run in with his tray as I spill some hot drops
on my new skirt.

'Marylin, is that letter ready yet?'
'Yes Sir, I'm bringing it in!'
And I quickly glance through the sheet and hope
he doesn't send me back with it.

'Marylin, have you cleaned my shoes yet?'
'Yes Sir, I'll bring them in just now!'
And I run in with the pair hoping he doesn't notice
they're not so shiny!

'Marylin, have you sent out the trash?'
'Yes Sir, I'll bring the can right back...'
And I rush in to replace his empty trash can while
he calmly tosses a ball of paper in it.

'Marylin, has the driver gone for my kids?'
'Yes Sir, he'll be back shortly' [I hope...]
And I say a silent prayer that for his own sake,
Abu has not gone frolicking with 'Oga's car'.

'Marylin, have you gotten my food yet?'
'Yes Sir, I was just waiting for your call...'
And I serve him his lunch silently wishing he'd be
decent enough to ask if I've had any at all!

'Marylin, have you dispatched those memos?'
'Yes Sir, I just came in from doing that.'
And I begin to wonder why this man thinks I'm
his office messenger!

'Marylin, have you swept this office today?'
'No Sir!'
'Marylin, what did I hear you say?'
'Sir, I said NO!'
'Marylin, are you out of your mind?'
'Not anymore Sir!
I've been your cleaner and your messenger,
I've been your cobbler and dispatch-rider too.

When I got this job, you said I'd be your secretary,
You said I'd type your letters, manage your time...
You said I'd get all your calls, handle your files...

You didn't add then Sir that I'd be your cleaner,
messenger and etcetera all in one...
So once again Sir, I say NO!'

'It's okay, Marylin, it's okay...
No cause for alarm, no need to fret.
Just put out an ad for a cleaner and a messenger...'

'Yes Sir, I'll do that this minute!'

©Nkiru Njoku, March 2002