HOW TO FUNCTION

Who do I hire as a math genius

between the two of you?
An impromptu interview
on the bus

I listen intently
to your conversation
free of prejudices my eyes could establish
was I looking in your direction

The one of you who sits closer to the window explains
to the other one who sits closer to the aisle
I have a favourite but there is doubt
in the voice of the girl explained to

Window girl says
Charlie subtracted sixteen from twenty-two
she herself subtracted six from twenty-two
that's sixteen

Aisle girl needs
explaining again
Is my decision made?
We have a couple of stops left

Aisle girl objects
it's a decreasing function
if one calculated as explained by window girl
it would be an increasing function

All wrong!
Doubt flocks around window girl
and shapes into clouds of despair
as trust was placed in wrong math

I could have helped you
but I forgot all
Shush!
Employers like to have the upper hand

I like your calm voice and your modesty
you're hired
welcome to the team
you start on Monday

In the meantime
while I exit the bus

do not forget

how to function