The Ideal Candidate

Another day goes rumbling by
In the autumn mists, we try
To take life as it comes; we strain
To hold our thoughts on a tight rein.

“Think positive” can be a trial
Grumbling overtakes a smile
Life’s hard these days; our costs increase
Be careful where you park – police!

Those blessed with work on contracts long
Are grateful to be taken on
For young job-seekers bright and keen
Places are few and far between.

Employers now can pick and choose
Young high fliers are good news
But those whose skills have not been tried
Have applications pushed aside.

And after forty-five it’s worse
Experience can be a curse
The social costs that are incurred
Preclude being taken on – absurd!

The ideal candidate – who’s he?
Under thirty – a degree
With expertise – but not too much
And in Belgium he must speak good Dutch!

(c) Poet in the woods 2013