First Online Video Job Interview Via Zoom

I wiped the sweat dripping from my forehead

Wiped it again five seconds later

Threw the towel out of my sight

Then worried how will I wipe the sweat in the full glare

Pushed all the mess in one corner

Pulled the curtains to hide the stain

Positioned the chair to hide the unmade bed

And mounted the laptop on a stack of books to conceal the triple chin

Sound check done

Camera check done

Microphone check done

Triple chin check - never mind

Yet, I was unable to hide my nervousness of being on a video call

I couldn’t pull the curtains on my awkward interview face

I forgot to check my unfiltered thoughts

I failed to explain my work process

How could I say that I freeze on camera

How could I summarize my chaotic journey in a few seconds

That I find extended eye contact unnatural 

And the silences even more discomforting

Another opportunity lost

Another failed attempt

Days filled with could've, should’ve

And the anxious wait