Upon arriving at work without a shirt

It is healthy to watch oneself
as if acting in a soap advertisement
bending over a sudsy tub
mouth-breathing like a carp
blowing bubbles
antechambers outside the skin
appointed with stuffy secretaries
worn carpets
and icons of ancestors
so visitors carrying knives
and ill memories who come calling
must be announced and properly signed in...
time enough to run ahead and enfold
the playing children
and get them out of danger.