I watched him from a distance......

The plastic smile and the extra wide bonhomie
Looking too real for comfort!
He flashed a practised smile,
Shuffled some papers,
Looked officious and
Tried his best to do it by the book!

The poor unfortunate other
Tried his best to look calm,
Put on his bravest cheer
In this never ending minute of great despair.

They exchanged pleasantries,
Spoke highly of mutual virtues
and embraced all the niceties of modern communication.

Then the river ran dry and the axe needed to fall
Swift and sharp, with the bare minimum loss
of blood, self-image, conceit or the much evident deceit.

Pale lines floated in the air, the apologies and commiserations
The trials and the tribulations of an unforeseen economy...
The much awaited final envelope lay sweating by their side-

It needed closure now!
"Thanks for your services", I heard one say!
"it was great working here!" grunted the other....
Silence was the only cruel reminder of the unpleasant business at hand!
So they shook hands in practised bonhomie!

"I have other offers," said one, "You know the market is opening up!"
"Great! " said the other, " pulling hard, in relief, at the obvious lie!

"We must keep in touch!" both said in unison!
And the poor other went his way.....
Saving his tears for the car park.

I walked away grateful I had a job!
Another day! Another dollar!