My friend sits across the lunch table,
We have had this conversation
Many times before; yet,
He remains uncomfortable
        In his confession.

What he fails to realize
Is that he is telling me my story
And pretending it
        Is his alone.

Is he doing enough work?
        Do they think I am doing a good job?
Could they fire him?
        How would I find a new job?
Are they concerned about that mistake he made?
        What if they decide they can do without me?
What if the new guy is better than he is?

What if they find out
        I don't really know what I am doing?

In truth,
He is an accomplished attorney,
Skilled and well-respected.
I am a partner
In a successful real estate firm.
        Why then?

Why do I often think about
What I would do if I lost my job?
Why do I mentally count my savings,
Computing how long I could live on them?
Why do I continue,
        Continue ripping at my own sense of self?