Scruffy work
to be a spy
and a boring life
always so very careful
in your words and deeds
professionally consistent
observant to a fault
never allowed to slop along
the existence of celebrity
without the non-existent charm
grey socks and a steady heartbeat
no dozing in
to be late for school without reproach
it comforts me to consider
how fearful they must be
of talking in their sleep
weighing betrayal
above abandonment
the only boy in class
who perishes at the thought
of being blown.