"The Computer Engineer"  Copyright 2000 Jacqueline S. Levy

College graduation.  Computer Engineer.
I set off to seek my fortune where my destiny was clear.
In Silicon Valley, land of opportunity,
I'd grow wealthy and retire by the age of twenty-three.

I signed up with a start-up although many people scoffed.
The company said someday we'd be just like Microsoft.
We'll be going public in a year or two or three
And my friends will wish that they had lots of stock options like me.

        So I worked my mouse's tail off.
        My cube became my home.
        Losing my friends and my family
        Was perfect since a nerd prefers being alone.

After only five years, the place went belly-up.
But me I kept the post-its and the complimentary cup.
Studies show that start-ups fail nine times out of ten.
So only eight more failures and I'm sure to cash in then.

And those of you with lives to lead can say you knew me when.

 Copyright 2000 Jacqueline S. Levy