Conference

She nursed the life out of her prodigies

who tore open sample cases of nutrients.

All daylight they homonymed their wares. 

Stared down the competition in with harsh stares.

The exhibitor's hall replete with free pencils

and bags of trash to drag home, proof of attendance.

No one would remember the transactions.

One trinket as good as one demonstration.

She watched the accidental close of day.

Free wine, free hors d'oeuvres, freedom from work.