MAKING THE CUT

It’s not just in golf one makes the cut
At the very least to avoid elimination
Even that very last short distance putt
The crowd looking on in anticipation
Failure is no option, it’s anything but
The thought of missing that ovation
One can feel it right there in your gut

A jeweller, with a diamond in the vice
Chisel aimed at the flaw with precision
Just one clean accurate cut will suffice
Should one make the wrong decision
If it’s one’s own instinct, ignore advice
The final facet reflecting high ambition
And a well-cut gem brings a high price

Anaesthetised, the patient now waits
The scalpel poised, the surgeon pauses
Someone said, Do not tempt the fates
Nor waste precious skills on lost causes
Take a breath whilst the worry abates
Nurses are ready with absorbent gauzes
To mop up the bleeding that he creates

Candidates are waiting outside the door
For that highly-paid job, desired by all
Most avoid gazes by looking at the floor
Each waiting there patiently for the call
To do that interview like never before
Confident that they won’t drop the ball
Making the cut, as the best of the four