life is something of a
patience game
one I’m loathe to lose
but unable to win easily
on account of my lack of generational wealth.

missed emails and functions,
taxes on a loan I didn’t want to take,
watching the glitz and glamor of a ballroom event
ten feet away from a homeless man sitting in the grime
just outside the doorway.

maybe it would be easier
if we were all still
nothing but fish with vague aspirations,
who have yet to invent sin.