Volunteer

This experience was 36 years ago, almost to the month.  I have learned some things in the intervening years.  Some things, however, seem to be a part of a life pattern.  36 years out I wake up and think:  Oh... here I am again!

I began my work life

As a volunteer

In Ohio.

I had a desk in the corner

Of the community room

In a housing project

In South Toledo.

The desk held

A lockable dial phone.

With two days

Of paperwork training

Under my belt,

Age 22,

With a Classics major,

I was told to counsel troubled teenagers

And their parents.

It was a recipe,

It was a set-up,

For failure.

I was not alone.

There were seventeen other 22 year olds

Scattered throughout the city.

When I resigned,

Two months in,

Ten others resigned

Right after me.

Now at least

I am the only volunteer.

When I resign this time

There will not be a queue

Behind me.