What Seems Like An Eternity At Work

(Thirty minutes left
Until I can go home from my shift)
Ok, I think, Just focus on the books. The time'll fly just like that.
Scan what feels like thirty books.
(Twenty-five minutes left)
Oh boy. One of those days
Focus
Keep scanning
(Twenty minutes left)
Dear Publishers, I think, please stop calling your books sexy. They are not romantically attractive at all.
Hold in a laugh
Keep scanning
(Fifteen minutes left)
Feel the old paper of an aged book ripple beneath my skin
Hold it for maybe a second too long
Toss it in a bin - no ISBN
Keep scanning
(Ten minutes left)
Sometimes, this job moves along like molasses. Sometimes, it moves like greased butter.
What makes the difference?
Focus
Keep scanning
(Five minutes left)
The cleanup buzzer rings
Log out
Grab media
Drop off media
Grab trash
Write down numbers
Throw out trash
Hoist invalid books tote
Realize I've once again lifted with my back and not my legs
Drop off invalid books tote
Fill out invalid books form
Wash hands
Grab stuff from locker
Put in earbuds
Turn on favorite song
Head for clockout area
(The end-of-shift buzzer rings)
Clock out
Homeward bound