Dear Austar Trainee

I’m sorry, but your trainer
didn’t introduce you by name.
Did you happen to notice that,
amongst the more obvious things
she was busy teaching you?

You seemed like a nice lad.
When I said I’d taken you
for Jehovah’s Witnesses,
you grinned. She pulled a face
and said, “Aren’t they awful?’

(No. They’re only doing
what they feel they must,
politely.)  Mind you, she
could teach them a thing or two
about getting a foot in the door.

Was that bit of training
discussed in private, later?
I did know that was why
she requested a glass of water.
I’d already decided to let you in.

It was the good deal that sold us,
not the spiel. Not her wide smile,
nor the way she answered, ‘Beautiful!’
to every second thing I said. That
was irritating, nearly put me off.

Your sparkling enthusiasm
for the History channel,
in common with my husband’s,
would have won us if need be—
before she hastened to shut you up.

So learn from her the dates and costs
you need to fill out the forms,
but trust yourself for the rest.
(I hope you don’t mind my advice.)
Yours sincerely, the lady from Unit 1.


Day 6 - A stranger