Margaret Alice Second (24 January 1961 / South Africa)

The Key to Success - a professional interview,
Christophe asked us to recount our experience
of such; I had to laugh, my interview was marked
by the passion in my heart, not a cool mien at all,
my boss said afterwards they should have known
I was more a clown when I talked so emotionally,
other candidates were restrained and grey

For me protocol and etiquette never worked; first
time interpreting I spoke as much as Pollyanna on
arriving at her Aunts, afterwards Irene laughed at
my vehement gesticulation, but fire and all, I still
went to the ball, interpreted for Francophones -
a clutter in my work station reveals my emotional
past, but the privilege of working with industrious,
dedicated smile-hiding translators I love

They toil through the night as I boil with impatience
life is too slow - yet I suffer happily for my joy!