text: No transfer into account by 10.30 am
  So here I am
  Back in reception
  Wondering what kind of reception
  Wasn’t sure if I’d be allowed
  Into the building,
  But S… the sweet receptionist
  Pressed the button
  That opened the door.
  So here I am
  I have asked the P.A. to let him know I’m here.
  I’m leaning on that promise
  That I’ll be given the right words.
  J… has just come through
  Says that the boss has agreed to pay me
  Subject to inspection of the machine.
  Can it happen to today?
  He checks with the attorney.
  “No chance before Monday” she says.
  I’ll be quite hungry by Monday.
  So will my workers.
  Well now the machine needs to be inspected
  By big D…
  Before the money is released.
  When can it be inspected?
  I walk to the factory where D… has his office.
  I have a good relationship with D…
  Forged over the years,
  But he is very busy.
  He is waiting for the epoxy-coating expert to
  It is now 1 pm
  The epoxy man comes.
  He comes to solve a problem.
  J… comes to watch him solve it.
  The chief comes to see if it is solved.
  Sees me looking on.
  Offers me a job.
  I say, “I might as well be on the payroll,
  I’m spending so much time here,
  But I don’t come cheap:
  R18 000 just to start”
  This exchange is actually quite cordial!
  I’m now back in reception,
  But I have the feeling
  That this is now counter-productive.
  I have become part of the furniture.
  I am effectively on the payroll
  With a salary of zero.
  S… the receptionist doesn’t hesitate to let me
  When I tell her my name.
  I ask to see J… and she waves me through.
  I pass the chief in the corridor
  And tell him where I’m going.
  I am now on friendly first name terms with
  Not to mention Lindiwe
  Who makes such excellent coffee.
  It was Lincoln who said,
  “Do I not defeat my enemy when I make him my
  I sit and chat with J…
  He is a marvelous man.
  He assures me that he will do his best
  To see that I am paid.
  He has already gone the extra mile.
  I sense that my time in reception is over
  And ask him to give the chief a message
  To this effect.
  The question is:
  Am I not to eat until the money is in my
  What’s that Lord?
  It’s my call?
  I’m going to eat.
  To be Continued