Summary

The text expresses the author's exhaustion with the monotonous and insincere interactions of corporate life and their desire for authenticity and personal connection.

Abstract

The author conveys a deep weariness with the repetitive and superficial nature of office life, symbolized by the act of chewing gum. The constant, mechanical social interactions, such as asking "how are you?" without genuine interest, have led to a sense of mutiny within the author, as their brain and mouth resist the charade. The author observes a shared sense of emptiness in their colleagues, who also seem to be part of a "well-trained army" of "corporate soldiers" marching to the same dull rhythm. There is a longing for simplicity and truth, for moments filled with genuine laughter and the beauty of nature, untainted by the acidity of a life not lived authentically. The text culminates with the author's declaration of breaking free from the corporate mold to pursue a life of writing, suggesting a personal triumph over the constraints of a soulless routine.

Opinions

The author feels that the social niceties of office life are hollow and joyless.
There is a sense of solidarity with colleagues who are equally trapped in the corporate cycle.
The author expresses a desire for meaningful interactions and a life filled with genuine moments.
The corporate environment is likened to a military regime, with employees as soldiers following orders.
The author has successfully transitioned from a corporate role to a more fulfilling life as a writer, indicating a personal victory.

I’m tired of chewing gum

“A group of office workers conducting a meeting.” by rawpixel.com on Unsplash

My jaws clench

From all the hi-how-are-you’s.

They further refuse to lift up

In perfunctory smiles.

The we-should-meet-for-coffees

Sip through

And back inside,

Mutiny of brain and mouth together.

I look up to see eyes

Just as voided as mine.

Rictuses just as plastered,

Shoulders lowered in surrender.

When did we become

Such a well-trained army

Of corporate soldiers?

March March March to work and back.

Void in between

Well-scripted scenarios

That we play unhesitantly

At snaps of invisible fingers.

I want sunshine and windows,

Children’s laughter,

And walks in the park

Mid-afternoon.

I want to see the sky

From near a tree

And breathe in rain

That does not feel like acid.

I want others to know

I mean what I say

And I’m not just reciting

From my embedded script.

I want my life back

And my days to be different,

I’m tired of chewing gum.

*And I did it! A decade later, I’m no longer a corporate drone. Now I write :)

If you enjoyed this, please check out some of my other poems :

The St. Clair Bridge Hurts

The St. Clair bridge hurts

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