A History of Lessons on the Nature of Work

A History of Lessons on the Nature of Work

I was told it was heavy. 

I was told it was heavy, and brought no reward.

I was told it was a given.

I was told to expect nothing from it.

I was told that in its throes I would have no power.

I was told that its labors would be endless.

I was told that planning doesn’t help.

I was told to make a plan.

I was told I should be grateful.

I was told that the dispassionate succeed.

I was told that pragmatism trumps fulfillment. 

I was told that repetition is the stuff of life.

I was told that a task is a task is a task.

I was told it was not the in labor but in the execution.

I was given a stone on which was carved the word “dream.”

I was given a workshop on manifesting my potential.

I was given a poster of a white bird following its bliss.

I was given this phrase: do what you love and the money will follow.

I was given this phrase: the money will follow.

I was given little in terms of benefits.

I was given a bill for every overdraft.

I was given a lesson in floral watercolor.

I was given more than one certification.

I was always given something weighty, and difficult to do.

I gave a promise: I will work hard at something difficult.

I keep to my desk, my heart and eyes compliant.


--Kristen McHenry