is it worth it?

crucified in this land
of milk and honey.
told to aspire to
a greatness that
doesn't exist.
told to conform
to the idea of
want and have.
told to be more like
the ones
who took it all
and left scraps behind
to pick through.

become a part of
the system.
get an education
with a fine piece of paper
to confirm
your knowledge.
land a job
and work for
the rich
you aspire to be.

become a parent.
buy a home.
get a car.
stay up to date
with the latest trends.
dress accordingly.
save for retirement.
drown under the weight
of the house of cards
that you built.

stare in wonderment
at how all the others
manage to stay upright
as you juggle
a mortgage,
bills,
taxes,
401k,
kids,
spouse,
job,
death.

it's because they're in debt too,
just like you.
and their credit is good
as long as they make
the payments on time.
but any bump in the road
will send all they've worked for
tumbling along the ditch
for the vultures to pick through
when capitalism
wrecks the car
you haven't finished
paying for yet.

and it makes you wonder
what it's all for.
maybe just to stay alive
a little bit longer.
maybe to gain a little time
before they drop a dime
on you too.

then something happens
if you happen to be
one of the lucky ones
who realizes
that all the little things
you have
could go away
just as quickly as you acquired them,
maybe quicker.

and the light dawns
and you become aware
that it is about the people,
not the possessions.
it is about us,
not them.
it is about
living life
and leaving something
for someone else
when you're gone.
it is leaving the most valuable
thing behind that you
have gained.
it is about the transfer of
love
of
knowledge
of
redemption.
it is all about finding
the passion
that drives you.

so when they tell you
to buy
the latest thing
to make you wealthy,
remember to tell them
you're already rich
and you can't afford
what they're selling.