THE JELLYFISH

When pencil in mouth, Adirondack #2 traditional yellow, he scurried across the hall to his superior's office. Not daily, not bi-daily, but often- times daily to assurance his position.

The jellyfish, of course, had no spine. He was a classic sycophant. Loyal, yes, beyond question. I actually believe if "Smothers" as we called him would have been asked to kill for his boss, he would have.

Unconscionable, he parleyed his little administrative ability into a position of power by his wiles. Time and time again he was asked to skew, to falsify documentation and he was eager to do so. As a theatre plant in the audience, he was encouraged to mingle with the ones lower on the food chain and report suspicious activity or tattle on individuals who had a difference of opinion. Especially if spoken in front of a group of underlings.

He had trouble sleeping at night. Not because of his deeds during the day; not because he had sold himself out; not even because he had no self-respect. But, you see, Smothers the Jellyfish had no backbone at all. Thus the prone position was uncomfortable for him.