The Glory Of Numbers Poem by Alan Bruce Thompson

We’re judged by statistics, more yet more!
Endless accountability is our new chore.

More than half our time is spent filling out forms,
To present beautiful tables, averages and norms.

Our performance is measured, not by what you can,
But what we should do, the more mundane - the better man.

The quality’s not important, it’s the appearance that counts,
Our managers don’t care about our care, just about products in great amounts.

Massaging our results is common, is encouraged despite the truth,
And sadly ancient managers pretend they’re still in their youth.

The traditional family business and honorable company are lost,
Profit is more important than honor, just count the cost.