Meditation #13

pile of dead badges
on the conference table.

pens left behind
with the company logo still visible on some,
while others have been rubbed to near illegibility
from constant use.

weary managers
going through checklists
of tools, computers, cellphones
to be returned.

the last paychecks handed over.

silence throughout the office area
as escorts return from the front door
one at a time.

outside, the sun
is weakening as the day grows old.

parking spaces go from gray to black
as the mist soaks into
what had been protected
for a little while.