Nod and choke. They don’t care. 

Don’t be the maiden on the prow. 

Spit out the salt, unpetrify,

and go to Wine and Yoga. 

Don’t let them waste you.

Don’t let them rot you.

Don’t let them pare you down like a shank.

You are more than flavor and fat

and better than their mastication,

even as they complement the richness.

Leave off thanks and accolades;

be free in the knowledge that you are a warm 

body in a conference room, no matter your efforts. 

You are replaceable, even if the last one standing.

Now you know and can dance.