I don't want to work today

I Don’t Want to Work Today

                by Bill Schaeffer

I woke up early, refreshed and new

The morning birds were singing true

The gentle sun was peaking through

the window curtains of my room.

A springtime breeze blew through the sash

and brought the smell of fresh lilac.

I took a breath and opened my eyes.

It was just a second before I realized,

                “I don’t want to work today.

                I just want to go and play.”

I lay there then for a moment or two

hoping to remember what I must do.

And as I was running through my routine

A foreign thought entered in my brain,

I could call in sick and take the day

to spend how I want, in my own way.

“But that wouldn’t be fair to my team at work

But it would be a lot more fun, that’s for sure”

                “I don’t want to work today.

                I just want to go and play.”

I sat up straight and thought real hard,

“I bet there’s plenty I could do in the yard.

I could mow the lawn, or rake some leaves.

I could plant a flower, or plant a tree.

I could fix the fence, or paint the shed

or dig up the ground for a flower bed.

There are a thousand things that I could do

and that is just around the house -- it’s true”

                “I don’t want to work today.

                I just want to go and play.”

“But what,” I thought, “If I took the time,

and had a day trip to a place sublime?

I could have a picnic in the local park

or go to the gallery to see some art.

I could go shopping in a fancy mall

or spend the day in an old pool hall.

There are limitless opportunities I see

If only I didn’t have a career to feed.”

                “I don’t want to work today.

                I just want to go and play.”

Newly energized with exciting tasks

I prepared the tub to take my bath.

I got my bread and made some tea

and pondered over the possibilities

A fierce debate was in my head

of whether I should work, or play instead

“I need a day that’s free from work

And today is the day I’ll tell those jerks.”

                “I don’t want to work today.

                I just want to go and play.”

“But just in case I change my heart

I’ll bring my briefcase to the park.”

So I got in my car, and left the drive

And started for the old wild side.

But, lost in thought of what to do

I missed the street I thought I knew

And then somehow to my dismay

I ended up at work anyway.

                “I don’t want to work today.

                I just want to go and play.”

I just sat there for a minute or two

and then I knew what I must do.

So, filled with resolve, and bursting with pride

I strode to the door and walked inside.

But, once through the door and in the lobby

I experienced a change that left me wobbly.

I lost my resolve and walked to my desk,

“Maybe a day off tomorrow, is what would be best!”

                                                                                                                                                               

April 11, 2003

Copyright©2003, 2014 Wm Schaeffer