Mental constructs, inclinations, We are caught, but not in cages, Prisoners of the parts we play — Accused, judge, and jury, Predator and prey. Inmate, guard, and warden Simultaneously, Any fucking day.
#vsspoem prompt for September 11th, 2023: Simultaneous
A human invention, Success is a construct, A feedback-looped Closed circle jerk — Gather round, Pat your neighbor on the back Until the hive mind Shares but one intention.
I recall the melody But can no longer Sing along the cheerful, Long forgotten song Hummed by the little lost boy Procrastinating In the far corner of my psyche — But the happiness, simplicity Elude me.
And the captives In gilded cages Filled with all their treasured things, Dreamt of larger accommodations Filled with different, more desired, Equally trivial Worthless shit.
Low stoops temptation, And deep cuts the guilt — We are masks Upon masks Upon scared little souls. All we know of what's right's The divide between All that is felt, And the bullshit we're told.