The ink was not yet dry
On his master’s degree
When he took a job
Scooping popcorn
And filling fizzy drinks
For minimum wage
At the movies.

My codependence kept me
From understanding
The real value
Of that little job.

Who will see him there?
What would “they” think?
Where will it get him?
How have I failed him?
It was somewhere
To go each day…
Mindless work,
Congenial workmates,
A little paycheck,
A place to start.

When will I see?
That it’s not about popcorn,
It’s about me!
PLEASE GOD.
REMOVE MY SHORTCOMINGS.