Job-Huntin’ Season

I’ve been sweating under the sun rays 

sprouting from my laptop.

I’m exhausted by the thought of snow cones, Mai Tais, 

and the sweet temptation of nothing to do. 

I’m covered in letters—highlight, cut, copy, paste—

I’m tired of the way summer looks at me,

her gaze leaves me apathetic. 

The hunt is all consuming 

Your future only a refresh, click, refresh again away. 

When will I resume? 

I hope fall accepts my application. 

Toasted marshmallows, hot lattes, and gingerbread cookies just out of reach. 

I haven’t heard back yet—click refresh again. 

Spooky movie marathon tomorrow? 

Anything to escape the heat. 

Pull my candy-corn thigh-highs up over my knees

Anything to escape 

the hunt. 

If I don’t make it to fall 

coat my body in apple-scented candles.

Bury me with the decorative skulls 

impersonating bowls of candy, orange fairy lights, 

and decorative ghost pillows. 

Let the Spanish moss grow over my tombstone which reads

DO NOT TOUCH in the blood of a more qualified applicant.