THE OFFICE

Mahogany shelves and filing cabinets continue farther than seems administratively necessary.

Drawers carry the names of Rooms rather than dates or alphabetic labels. Some contain old instructions. Others contain decisions that have apparently been running quite happily without further consultation.

On the desk are cream paper, a dip pen, sealing wax and a brass stamp:

REVISED

Nearby rests a file marked:

I AM

It has not been filed.

The Old English Sheepdog sleeps close by. A pigeon waits with a leather message tube. Somewhere near the skirting board, a line of ants appears to be conducting business of its own.

The Office continues.