Object first; profession second; self third

[Dennis Piechota]

OK. We're third. We understood that going in
and in our idealistic youth
we wouldn't have it any other way...
     object>profession>self

Though some of our cohort left the field
after discovering the true cost of Third.
Now as sought-after bankers and CPAs they're first.
     self>profession>object

Then when certification discussions recur 

it seems the profession asks
is anyone worthy enough to treat the irreplaceable?
     profession>object>self

Some mature conservators flip that order
and stop attending annual meetings
as schedules, family and age compete with obligation.
     self>object>profession

In fact, through it all we've been alone
with just this question:
Do I still love it?
     <self>

Do you?

Dennis

Dennis Piechota

Archaeological Conservator

Fiske Center for Archaeological Research
UMass Boston
Office: 617-287-6829

ALTCONS Group Admin

an Alternative Conservation Discussion