The Programmer Poem

The Programmer Poem

Programmer person is my chosen occupation.
Every day is much the same—another iteration.
I think up test scenarios and try them one by one
Hoping to accomplish something ‘fore the day is done.

The outcome of each test is what I much anticipate--
Numeric interactions that are measures of my fate,
Return evaluations in which zeros are the coolest
And anything non-zero leaves you feeling rather foolish.

I study codes and messages displayed on my workstation
To analyze the data and the testing situation.

The next run dies aborning, with condition code sixteen.
That one’s really trouble, if you follow what I mean.
My data got corrupted by dark forces in between
And it’s back to the beginning for to replicate the scene.

I hope to heck the next test is a little more worthwhile,
Since I’m reading all my input from a different data file.
This one shows improvement, as my destiny is twelve
But deep into the program I must seriously delve.

And study codes and messages displayed on my workstation
To analyze the problem in my testing situation.

I need to modify some lines and use a different date
A deadline is approaching and I cannot be too late.
I start another round and resubmit the data flow.
At last, I’m in nirvana with four zeros in a row!

Certain of the cleverness imbued in my creation
I take it to the client to obtain appreciation.
I can see from his demeanor he is trying to be kind
But then he says it’s not exactly what he had in mind.

So now, I’m headed back to ITS and my workstation
To realign the program with the client’s expectation.
And when I’m done rewriting with my electronic pen
I’ll study codes and messages and do it all again!