Apathy of Optimism
I
The apathy of optimism cannibalizes
Us—it forces us to artuate our own
And each others' limbs in order to smile—
To smile for no reason.
We are instructed to compose ourselves,
To keep from corroding our attitudes
Because we will disturb each other
(Besides complaints are annoying) .
We compile lists of positivity
That promote our passivity
And repress our aggressions,
So that we may use our frustrations
In the work force—
As something healthy,
A productive outlet for our energy.
II
We must not be overcome by the influenza
Of our asymmetrical responsibilities,
And let that virus swell in our saliva
And spittle over our open lips
As we cough into our hands—
Then shake them with others
And contaminate their fingers,
Touching everything.
We must disinfect our natural inclinations
And grin through the wrinkles
We will attempt to smoothen.
III
Or that's what they tell us—
Take ownership for your failures;
Whatever is wrong is your fault;
You are the center,
As an individual,
Of the collective polypheme,
Or at least its self-feasting corpse.
A man-made system does not supersede
Or subjugate the people contained inside of it.
You are not imposed by the will
Of an abstract machine of statistical
Analysis, harvested by the quotients
Of industry data
And
The GDP.
IV
Vote for your chains
And your hunger and alleviate
[...] Read more
poem by Tim Stensloff
Added by Poetry Lover
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!
