digging coal

the interviewer
in his suit, his coffee cup
in hand.
his American flag pinned
on his collar
examines your resume
and says hmmm.
so tell me, where do you
want to be in five
years.
the first thought that comes
into your mind,
is anywhere, but here.
a coal mine
would be nicer, holding
a shovel
and digging into the side
of a cavernous
black mountain.
but you don't say that.
not yet anyway,
you'll wait until you
have the job
and can get a severance
package.