The Machine Strikes Back!!!

A Tortured Poet’s Regret — No8

Photo by Chyntia Juls on Unsplash

hello again,
my tortured friends say,
as if they’ll ever know
what it’s like to be inside my skin.

sycophants and smiles,
champagne and charlatans,
black ties and bitter ruses —
oh, it’s just another day in the life.

wake up, ready yourself
for the war of the day,
whisper affirmations —
oh, it’s just another rite of passage.

hello again,
the ones in white say,
as if they’ll ever know
what beats inside my chest.

silly dreams and sapphire eyes,
shy words and selfish desires,
blue whims and blithe wants —
oh, it’s just another season of change.

smile for the camera, always,
and bear your greatest poker face,
fight off the urge to grimace in response —
oh, it’s just another performance of a lifetime.