Cover Letter

By Michael T. Smith

To whom it may concern (never write who)

I’m submitting the attached to apply --

Does not every word read somehow imply

“Thank you for your consideration” too? --

I give a page of cordiality,

With intentions devilishly padded

to sell my individuality,

but I hear that’s how man is formatted --

Like this document, in a preferred font --

the Times New Roman of man’s attitude 

to fit within your office’s entente

the prime candidate for your servitude:

I am nothing beyond a white, pressed shirt,

Holding down my soul well into the dirt.

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Michael T. Smith is an Associate Professor of English who teaches both writing and film courses. He has published roughly 300 pieces (poetry and prose) in over 100 different journals.