Poem by: Vivek Mavi
As I enter the office,
a loud, strange click pierces the corridor,
it is the biometrics.White lights overhead,
exhausting, tasteless, much like Maurizio’s Comedian, a dull bore.
The air, heavy with the musk of old carpet, an aged lore.Bickering and the footsteps of strangers, or colleagues, settling in.
Air turns to aroma, a mood’s soft spin.
A slender young boy with a gentle gleam,
opens the doors of the cafeteria, brewing coffee within.The coffee machine’s mechanical whine,
a constant reminder of the endless tasks ahead,
echoing inside my head.Uneasy in my chair,
Mind racing with the anxieties the day will wear.
The race takes a dramatic turn,
TOOL performing in my ears, a cathartic burn.Footsteps coming to an end,
your latte, with no sugar,
thanks, my friend.
You’re welcome, Sir,
the day’s soft bend.
I wanted to write a poem that feels both stark and unsettling, reflecting the emotional realities of modern work. It touches on how something as simple as a cup of coffee can shift your entire day, and what it’s like to live a corporate life, where routine can easily become monotonous. While I may have prioritised emotional impact over the right technical form used in poems, this genuinely expresses my feelings.
It captures the atmosphere of a contemporary office, as well as emotions and sensory experiences within. Through vivid imagery, stark contrasts, and symbolic moments, I tried writing a relatable and thought-provoking experience.
Contextual Notes:
The poem references “Tool,” an American rock band, and “Comedian,” a 2019 artwork by Maurizio Cattelan. These are integral to the poem’s thematic exploration.
Posted by: Vivek Mavi
About Me: Born and raised in Ghaziabad, so close to Delhi, yet I’ve always felt like a small-town resident. It’s a part of me that keeps me grounded. Enough about that. I studied journalism at Maharaja Agrasen College, Delhi University, and spent two years working in street theatre. After that, I joined the never-ending cycle of the corporate rat race. I write poems and reflect on life from my 3×3 office cubicle. I am a dedicated human rights activist and also the table tennis champion in my neighborhood.
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I Loved your prose. I am recently retired now but it illustrates mundane days experienced in the modern workplace. That I, along with many have endured.
That's incredibly kind of you to say. Knowing that my writing reflects the experiences of others, especially those who have experienced the workplace scenario. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
This poem really resonated with me. Like the long winters here in Norway, where days blur into nights, and you find yourself clinging to the smallest comforts, like a hot coffee or a good song. Skål
Norway is a beautiful country. It's a dream for me to go there and see Northern Lights once in my life. Thank you for your kind words, Dagfinn.
The Northern Lights are like nature’s own light show no tickets needed, just a lot of patience. If you ever make it to Norway, let me know, I’ll recommend the best spots. Until then, keep writing my friend, I’m sure the Arctic skies would love a poem from you.
Great to know the 9 to nothing corporate environment. Bravo!
Thank you. I'm glad you found it relatable. I wish more people would share their vulnerable experiences like this on this platform.
They do. You will come to know as you explore. Enjoy!
Many jobs are like that, and your words describe the thoughts and feelings about it very well.
Thank you so much for your kind words, T. W. Dittmer.
Been there, done that, still got the empty coffee cup to prove it. The only thing missing was someone microwaving fish at 10 AM to complete the office trauma.
Man, that sounds terrible. Cooked fish smell in the office first thing? No thanks ;)