Small Places : Nick L Belardes [4 of 128]

• Two.
• Perfectly compartmentalized sits endless cubicles with computers in each, all cozily networked, each with a chair fit for lumbar support.
• On each desk rests pictures of Buildicon's idyllic families, all non-management: husbands hugging wives, children with perfect white teeth.
• Cork boards are filled with exotic faraway images of Modesto, Fresno, Van Nuys and California City--the desert town that never grows.
• Desk cities: Kleenex boxes, staplers, tape holders; endless stacks of paper dotted in red ink. Burger King toys that can light up and spin.
• At my desk now thinking about Frederick Taylor. He's the bastard from yesteryear who was so efficient with his hard-on for time management.
• How much time did he waste picking up shovels? The average Joe will always find a way to dig a hole and dog work at the same time.
• It's what all of us clock watchers do. We are humans and not automatons. I sigh. It's another day at the office.