Caught in a horrible work situation, I was about to be fired. I struggled for months, then tired and defeated, I turned my problem over to a higher power.

I worked for thirteen years for the one of the best government agencies in the state. Politics being what they are, our state's leadership changed and my boss was replaced. I struggled to maintain the high level of customer service for which our agency was noted, but after ten months, I lost my job. During this time, I had many confrontations with the new agency head, until I realized what it was doing to me. I had to take a hard look at who I am and what I believe in. When she came to tell me it was time I moved on, I was relieved. But after thirteen years, there was still some residual pain. As a last resort, I prayed for guidance. I was overwhelmed by the opportunities presented to me. Geez, why didn't I think of that to begin with?

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Faith

(with apologies to E. A. Poe)

Once upon a winter dreary, Rain and Sleet and Snowy flurry,
Driving rain (and driving in it), wasting not a single minute,
In my flight to work and worry, where my new Boss had such a fury,
Over words spoke true, but hasty, Quoth that Mother,
"Nevermore!"

Watching as they run and gather, papers for that Witch to scatter,
Claiming "Naught will satisfy me, but to see you never more!"
Soon their cries fade out beyond me, Boss has moved me, tries to harm me.
Still, I battle (shouting: Not Me! Will you break me? Nevermore!)
Only two will battle now, does that stop us? Nevermore.

Then I (one day upon reflection) glimpsed the harvest of my actions,
She is the Witch we all abhor! (Could I be like her?) - Nevermore!
But, I'd enjoyed my insurrection, (this Anger is a sly infection),
All the sharp and clever phrases, double meaning - wounding more!
I saw myself begin to change, her face and mine to look the same,
The mirror cried out - Nevermore!

For ten months more I worked and scurried, Pariah to the staff around me.
Fear and worry, nervous laughter, (wonder who Boss is after),
Now that I withdrew from battle, as did she? (of course there's more).
For Boss the battle never ended, while battered feelings lay untended,
For her the only right solution was to see me Nevermore.

When she spoke, her eyes did spark, her step was light and sure and smart.
The agency has changed, you see, in all Good Faith (her words to me),
We cannot keep you anymore.
Reduced In Force, layed-off, or fired - (makes little difference when your tired).
Ten years gone by (and three before) - So God, please tell me is there more?

Is my work then what defines me? A small voice whispered - Nevermore.
My world had been so small and dark, a dungeon safe to keep my heart.
Around me doors did creak and moan. In fear, I felt so all alone.
I'd prayed a lot, (it seemed to me), for help, for strength... humility.
To learn whatever lesson here, but soon, dear God, then let me be!
So I can go on as before. I hear a laugh, and "Nevermore".

Into my jail, dark and deep, a ray of light began to peek,
From doors that God had left ajar. One door, then others, open far -
In Prayer I thanked Him for release; From the dark, but now -- surcease
From choices here is what I need. Please close the doors, I do implore!
That laughing voice cries - Nevermore!

My choices now are dim no more. What matter if there is no door?,
Or one too many, One too few. The choice, He said, is up to you.
Not to choose which entryway, to take upon Life's path today,
But to let Me lead you, take My hand, for through this door is Promised Land.
Will I forsake you? Nevermore.