Feeding Time

We stand before it,
Captive to it's whim.

Some it denies,
And they cast about for someone to help them.

Others it accepts,
And they nonchalantly stride off.

I step up to it,
Offering in hand.

As my hard work disappears into it's maw,
I feel the twinge of anxiety;

Will it take it,
Or will I too be refused?

It growls,
It grinds,

It purrs,
And then a clank.

I stoop before it,
Receiving it's blessing,

Then turning and walking off,
I pop open my cold soda.