Fake It or Break It

A Poem

Photo by Jean Gerber on Unsplash

they tell you of a time long past
when working your hardest
might have meant larger wages
and a cozy office in its own room —
but those days are done, gone,
banished to another era,
all because our parents
wanted too much
and gave too little.

or who can say for sure?
the eternal blame game
will do no one any good
because the consequences
are here, they’re here,
and we’re living them
with each breath
and every dollar spent
in this consumer economy.

oh, we can point fingers
and read out our rights —
but who’s listening?
we don’t even listen
to each other anymore,
and we’re encased
in endless noise
that won’t save
you, me, anyone.

you can lay out your plans
and try to tell us
you have all the answers —
but no one can…