the necktie

i struggled

with the necktie, 

argyles

and stripes, solids

and prints, 

trying to get it right,

snug

and positioned perfectly

around my neck,

not too long or

too short,

not

too tight.

i never mastered the art

of the necktie.

it became clear to me

early on that

i wasn't made

for the office life.