Poem accepted to Flash Fiction Forum.

https://www.bloodhoneylit.com/fiction/joe-clocks-in?rq=Gahl

First read May 8th, 2024.

“When men are employed, they are best contented.” Benjamin Franklin, The Autobiography and Other Writings, January 1st, 1791

When I moved to Philadelphia, in 2018, I had a meeting with the Grounds Supervisor at Independence Hall. Big, old, crusty, weird Nation Park Service Type. Retiring.

I had spent the past several years working closely with Nation Parks Service folks in New York and when they found out I was moving to Philly, jobless, they made some calls. I was a shoe-in.

I didn’t bring a notebook to our meeting. I thought I should have a notebook, but I didn’t bring a notebook. So, I purchased one from the gift shop at the Constitution Center.

A Benjamin Franklin Notebook, punctuated by Benjamin Franklin Quotes.

A Benjamin Franklin Quote-book.

He took me to lunch. I met a landscape historian. I got to see The Bell.

I heard his whole life story.

I wondered what working there would be like.

He took me up to the Superintendent’s office. An imposing blonde woman in her fifties in a suit who didn’t seem particular thrilled to meet me.

He told Her he wanted Me to have His job when he retired in December.

She told Me to apply to a summer internship.

Paid?

No.

Needless to say, I don’t work at Independence Hall.

I don’t think anyone does.