When did the enthusiasm he had at his workplace
Shrivel up, wither away, get replaced
By a gradually spreading cloud of indifference
In a job that used to give him satisfaction immense
When projects were completed, deadlines were met
When he used to surpass all the goals he had set
When every new opportunity seemed like progress
To advance his career, climb the ladder of success…
*
He had thought nothing could interrupt
His ascent, who knew the pandemic would disrupt
The status quo, and though a lot he gave
To his organization in order to save
It from sinking during times that were tough
The bean counters did not think it was enough
Citing huge losses in the financial sphere
His targets were raised to the stratosphere
While his incentives were slashed too
With dwindling resources he was asked to make do
He found himself burdened with responsibilities more
As staffing was cut, or employees quit, unable to endure
Working for an organization where they were not
Valued; their well-being never given a thought
*
He had invested so much of himself in this company
To leave it during a rough patch seemed like travesty
He thought things would eventually improve
He would get recognition, his career upwards would move
Instead, the strings were further tightened
In every direction he was forced to extend
Until each project felt like a liability
To get rid of, he experienced an inability
To show initiative, to innovate and excel
He would do his job well enough, but not too well..
*
He has not jumped ship, he has not quit
His organization, but gradually, bit by bit
His investment in his work has gone down
His eager smile replaced by a perpetual frown
He does everything that is needed but does not go
Above and beyond, now he does know
That the organization is unlikely to recognize
Any extra effort, so he no longed tries…
Passion...unbridled 