it gives clocks something to do.
Besides, why be in a hurry for the doctor to walk in,
delivering bad news like dark babies
who stare like cats and talk early but only to curse and mumble?
Oh cheer up, you'll say.
Just wait. Things will get better.
The French will quit smoking and forgive Hitler.
That shit in the fancy jar really will make you younger.
"Bro Country" will disappear from the charts,
and the Kardashians will kill themselves.
Waiting is, after all, an action--
it is "why not?" when the "why" has been seized and sold for taxes.
Each day, more fodder for the faithful:
Good morning, please vacate the premises within 30 days.
Good afternoon, it's over between us and I'm already with someone new.
Good night, you're dying but no one will be there to meet you--
they've all joined the jihad on the other side.
Wait instantly with new technology.
Clocks, doctors, lovers, true believers, all irrelevant and shown the gate.
You're next. Just wait.
_______
for Bjorn's challenge at Real Toads: "Waiting For Something Good....Or Not."
A sad and thoughtful piece about life, well written and a delight to read. Greetings!
ReplyDeleteWhat else should the clock do.. And all will be better .. Or not.
ReplyDeleteOH. MY. GOD. I was cackling by the second stanza.......especially its last line. I keep waiting for you to write a cynical poem, hee hee. All this sweetness and light is so unrealistic.
ReplyDeleteIt's wild how our perspectives on ... everything ... completely change, depending on where we are romantically. If you've just fallen in love (even if love is only a brilliant invention designed to give us something to do with our lives), then all is sunshine and roses. If you've just broken up with someone, all of life turns to shit. The trick is realizing that love is not much more than equal parts habit and brainwashing. Once you get past those pitfalls, you'll be fine---even if it turns you into somewhat of a sociopath. ;)
ReplyDeleteWe've waited too long now, the good old days are gone.
ReplyDeleteNo use being being cheerful, it all started before we begin our wait.
Nice write, Shay. Different angle of attack though. I'll take either.
..
Yikes. I don't know what "Bro Country" is but can imagine!
ReplyDeleteWaiting is such a human thing--I doubt Nature has mach feel for it, in her place where things just happen when they happen--or don't--even birds, or cats--do they have that feeling of bored suspense that we do while waiting for whatever thrills them? Certainly not like the speaker here, who wraps up anticipation in a grey paper of disillusion and never intends to open it again. Fine, twisty, and skewering writing, Shay.
ReplyDeleteOur higher (deeper?) sense says all badness passes for those who wait (when will the Kardashians get that memo?), but time is an essence not easily tendered in our present digital derangement. Carpe diem waits for no one, amen, ahem.
ReplyDelete"Each day, more fodder for the faithful"
ReplyDeleteLord, yes.
Good night, you're dying but no one will be there to meet you--
ReplyDeletethey've all joined the jihad on the other side....Love that. Technology can be so many things, but there seem to be so many faithful glitter eyed for Armageddon.