Meagre Two Hours

The only thing I did is to come to work, tired,
struggling for breath - colleagues complain
about strong smell of sewage in reception &
on the stairs, the probable cause of losing
consciousness & waking up when my chair
rolls back, tired I read my text just to find

Cotton wool or cobwebs swelling inside my
head, the culprit - the Benstra Building next
door is spilling sewage into our parking area;
I switch on the portable air-con and fight the
anxiety about leaving my post as it’s my wish
to fight and remain at the side of my brave

Colleagues manning the trenches in spite of
the smell and parking hazards - my beloved
counsels ‘Go home and rest’ but I’m too tired
to make such a momentous decision, aching
ears while brain switches to emergency mode,
I’m breathing again - hoping I can stay longer

Than just a meagre two hours at work